The Department of Public Advocacy strives to maintain several channels of communication to keep our staff, criminal legal stakeholders, and the general public informed about policies and practices that affect DPA and the clients we serve.
Louisville – Jefferson County Public Defender Corporation Joins the Department of Public Advocacy
Frankfort, KY (July 1, 2024) – On June 30, 2024, the Louisville – Jefferson County Public Defender Corporation ceased operations, and on July 1, 2024, the employees of that office joined the Department of Public Advocacy. The Louisville – Jefferson County Public Defender Corporation was the last remaining county-funded public defender office in…
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Defenders as Disruptors of Racial Injustice: Dismantling Racial Injustice in Arrests and Prosecutions
Download | Defenders as Disruptors of Racial Injustice: Dismantling Racial Injustice in Arrests and Prosecutions
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Damon Preston Reappointed Public Advocate
Frankfort, KY (July 29, 2021) – On the recommendation of the Kentucky Public Advocacy Commission, Governor Andy Beshear has reappointed Damon Preston to serve another four-year term as Kentucky’s Public Advocate, the leader of the statewide public defender system and the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA). Commission Chair Cortney Lollar commented…
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Department of Public Advocacy awarded more than $100,000 for Data Collection, Pilot Program in Hardin County
Funding to address adverse effects of COVID-19 on indigent clients Frankfort, KY (December 14, 2020) – The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) has been awarded $102,270 from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (USDOJ) Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF) administered by the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to gather pandemic-related data…
Read MoreDPA’s Commitment to Racial Justice
(June 11, 2020) The Department of Public Advocacy is committed to fighting for justice for our clients and seeking systemic change to address racial inequities and law enforcement misconduct and violence. Beyond the justice system, we strive to recognize the pain and anger of our Black colleagues and friends and to…
Read MoreDPA Believes Black Lives Matter
(June 11, 2020) The Department of Public Advocacy is proud of the many public defenders and others who marched this week in support of racial justice and in opposition to police violence, especially that which is unjustly targeted against communities of color. To public defenders, who have dedicated their careers…
Read MoreKentucky’s Public Defenders are Concerned about a Premature Return to Open Court Proceedings
Frankfort, KY (May 26, 2020) – As a precaution to protect participants from possible exposure and spread of COVID-19, most criminal court proceedings have been suspended since March, but that is about to change, and public defender leaders are worried about what they may mean for the health of their attorneys…
Read MoreDPA COVID-19 Letter to Justice Cabinet and Parole Board
(March 26, 2020) – DPA sent a letter today to the Justice Cabinet Secretary Hon. Mary Noble and Ms. Leila A. VanHoose, Chair of the Parole Board requesting that they take action to reduce the number of incarcerated persons within the Commonwealth for their own protection and for the protection…
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