The Wisconsin State Public Defender's Office (SPD) is dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals accused of crimes or involved in specific civil matters while meeting financial eligibility criteria. Established in 1965, the SPD initially consisted of a single attorney representing indigent individuals seeking post-conviction relief. Trial-level defense for indigents was handled by assigned counsel and funded by counties until 1977 when the SPD became an independent agency.

As of 1979, the program received state funding and expanded to handle indigent cases in addition to private counsel. Repealing the 1985 sunset, the SPD's jurisdiction expanded from 47 counties to the entire state. The agency's mission focuses on equity and inclusion, while their vision is to provide competent, zealous, and effective legal representation to their clients.

Led by the Public Defender Board, this agency operates under legislation and promotes transparency through public records and communications. For easy access, the SPD offers ACD Online Billing services. Trust the Wisconsin State Public Defender for professional legal services