Today marks the official launch of the new Juvenile First-Degree Murder Roster (JFDM Roster) project. Beginning today, courts in 27 North Carolina
Announcing Expert Services Project
We want court appointed attorneys to use experts, and we want using experts to be easier for attorneys. Access to qualified expert services is
‘Public Defense Day’ 2026
Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright. (See the Facts and Case Summary from
IDS to Welcome New Regional Defender May 1
IDS is pleased to announce that Daniel Meier will join the IDS team as the new regional defender on May 1, 2026. Daniel comes to IDS from his law
IDS Commission to Meet February 20, 2026
The next quarterly IDS Commission meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in person. Location: Campbell University
NCBA Honors Cindy Black
Newly Retired Chief Public Defender Cynthia “Cindy” Black (Cumberland County) was honored at the 2025 North Carolina Bar Association annual awards
IDS welcomes Shonkyra Ridley as its newest administrative team member
Shonkyra Ridley was recently hired as the new IDS Administrative Assistant. Her start date was February 2, 2026. She replaces Lyn Turner, who recently
Routten Reappointed as Chief Public Defender for District 1
Tommy Routten was recently reappointed to serve as the Chief Public Defender for District 1 (Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank,
IDS Budget Manager Earns State Certification
IDS is proud to announce that Budget Manager Sonia Colon has achieved the designation of North Carolina Certified State Government Budget
IDS Honors the Life of Rhoda Billings
IDS would like to honor the life of the late Rhoda Billings. Justice Billings is widely known in the legal community as a former Chief Justice of
New Cumberland County Chief Sworn In
On January 1, 2026, Adam Phillips was sworn in as the new Chief Public Defender for District 14 during a private ceremony at his home with family.
Cumberland County Chief Public Defender Cindy Black Retires
After 24 years of service to Cumberland County, including five years as Chief Public Defender, Cindy Black will retire on December 31. During her
Highlights of the Nov. 21 IDS Commission Meeting
The November 21 IDS Commission meeting was a special day to honor outstanding service and welcome a new IDS Commissioner. State Capital Defender
Important Update: How to get paid in expunged cases
You may recall... Per Session law (S.L. 2022-47 and S.L. 2023-103) amending G.S. 15A-146(a4), for misdemeanor and felony criminal cases that are
Defender District 10 hosts International Law Fellows
For the last several years, the Wake County Public Defender’s Office has hosted international law fellows from the American Council of Young Political
IDS Commission to Meet November 21
The next quarterly IDS Commission meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in person. Location: The
IDS celebrates colleagues for Veterans Day
For Veterans Day this year, we are celebrating our colleagues who have served, or who are serving in the United States military. Please take a few
IDS Commission Approves New Rules, Billing Policies Effective January 1, 2026
Important Changes to IDS Rules and Billing Policies On August 22, 2025, the IDS Commission approved some substantial changes to the billing and
Reminders about Civil Contempt Appeals
While 90% of civil contempt appeals happen in child support cases, the staff in the Office of the Parent Defender (OPD) handle ALL civil contempt
IDS Commission Reappoints Appellate Defender
Congratulations are in order for Glenn Gerding. At the August 22, 2025, quarterly meeting of the IDS Commission, he was reappointed to the position of
IDS Commission to Meet August 22
The next quarterly IDS Commission meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in person. Location: The North
District 6 gets new Chief Public Defender
The Office of Indigent Defense Services officially welcomes Thomas Lightburn “Bud” Woodrum II, the new chief public defender for District 6 that
Third Annual Juneteenth event held at the NC Central University’s Student Center
NCCU and the NCAPD sponsored their 3rd Annual Juneteenth event and CLE. This year’s program opened with dance, song and the theatrical spoken word.
Lenoir-Peek Named New Parent Defender for the State of North Carolina
IDS announces the appointment of Annick Lenoir-Peek by the IDS Commission as the new Parent Defender for the state of North Carolina. A nationally