Damon Preston Reappointed Public Advocate

Cheryl Witt and Blanche Williams being honored by Public Advocate Preston prior to their retirement in 2021, for over 40 years of service. 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 leaderContinueContinue reading “Damon Preston Reappointed Public Advocate”

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. (Dec. 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 and launch a pilot projectContinueContinue reading “Department of Public Advocacy awarded more than $100,000 for Data Collection, Pilot Program in Hardin County”

DPA’s Commitment to Racial Justice

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 combat the societal obstacles to true equality. ContinueContinue reading “DPA’s Commitment to Racial Justice”

DPA Commitment to Racial Justice

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 to standing against injustice, the circumstances of theContinueContinue reading “DPA Commitment to Racial Justice”

​Kentucky’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 and others in the system.ContinueContinue reading “​Kentucky’s Public Defenders are Concerned about a Premature Return to Open Court Proceedings”

DPA 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 of all Kentuckians. You canContinueContinue reading “DPA COVID-19 Letter to Justice Cabinet and Parole Board”