Mission & Authority
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act of 1964 (as amended), 18 U.S.C. § 3006A. Our mission is to provide zealous, high-quality legal representation to individuals who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation in federal criminal cases, direct appeals, and habeas corpus proceedings.
Our office is one of over 80 federal public defender organizations across the United States. We are part of the Defender Services program of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts and operate under the supervision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Statutory Authority: Criminal Justice Act of 1964, as amended — 18 U.S.C. § 3006A
Office Units
Trial Unit
Harrisburg, Scranton & Williamsport
The Trial Unit provides full-service legal representation to indigent individuals charged with federal criminal offenses throughout the 33 counties of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Our attorneys handle cases from initial appearance through trial and sentencing.
Appellate Unit
Harrisburg
The Appellate Unit handles direct criminal appeals and other post-conviction matters before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Our appellate attorneys bring specialized expertise to ensure clients receive effective representation at every stage of the appellate process.
Capital Habeas Corpus Unit
Harrisburg
The Capital Habeas Corpus Unit is one of only a handful of dedicated capital defense units within the federal defender system. The Unit represents individuals sentenced to death in state courts who seek federal habeas corpus review, providing specialized expertise in this complex area of law.