Public Defender Services

Background
The New Hampshire Judicial Council is seeking proposals for a public defender program to provide indigent-defense representation in accordance with RSA 604-B. This program aims to ensure that individuals who cannot afford legal representation receive the necessary legal assistance, particularly in criminal cases where their liberty is at stake.

The initiative is rooted in the constitutional right to counsel established by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Gideon v. Wainwright and has been a part of New Hampshire's legal framework since 1977.

Work Details
The successful Bidder will provide statewide legal representation for all criminal defendants, juveniles in delinquency cases, and respondents in involuntary commitment proceedings under RSA 135-E who qualify as indigent. Services include:
- Representation at all stages of criminal proceedings across Family, District, Superior, and Supreme Courts.
- Staffing court calendars for incarcerated felony arraignments and specialty courts such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and New Hope Court.
- Acceptance of appointments to capital cases with appropriately qualified attorneys assigned.
- Compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct and management of caseload limits as per a Council-approved plan.
- Provision of quarterly and annual reports to the Council detailing caseload data.

Period of Performance
The contract will commence on July 1, 2025, or upon approval by the Governor and Executive Council, whichever is later, and will run through June 30, 2027.

Place of Performance
Services will be provided across all ten counties of New Hampshire in offices located throughout the state to facilitate client-attorney meetings.