WELCOME
Welcome to the website of the Office of the Territorial Public Defenders of the United States Virgin Islands. The Public Defenders Administrative Board and staff invite you to utilize this site to learn and understand our purpose, our staff, our work and your legal rights.
Working Diligently
We hope that you will learn about the office and people who are working diligently to serve and protect the right to counsel guaranteed to everyone, regardless of financial ability.
Clarence E. Gideon
The basis for the existence and work of the OTPD is the landmark 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Gideon v. Wainwright: Gideon seeks to guarantee a fair trial for every person, regardless of their economic means.
SERVING AND PROTECTING
The Office of the Territorial Public Defenders of the United States Virgin Islands works diligently to serve and protect the right to counsel guaranteed to everyone, regardless of financial ability.
Defending the Indigent
We are responsible for defending individuals who lost their liberty and are determined by the court to be indigent by financial criteria established by the local courts for court appointed counsel.
Justice Available to All
The services of The Office of the Territorial Public Defender of the USVI is available to all who meet this financial criteria who are charged with criminal offenses in Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
We Represent You
Our goal is to continue to diligently and effectively represent each client at every stage of the criminal proceedings, inclusive of advice of rights initial hearings to appeal.
DIVISIONS
Appellate Division
A defendant who is convicted has a right to file an appeal after a trial at the Superior Court and
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Criminal Division
The Office of The Territorial Public Defender provides superior quality legal representation to indigent adults and children facing a loss
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Family Division
Juvenile Justice: The Office of the Territorial Public Defender represents children under the age of nineteen that are accused of
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SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Below are special circumstances involving police, immigration agents, or the FBI. Click "Read More" for a detailed description about your rights and responsibilities (how to act, what to do) in any of them.
Police Visits Your Home
If the Police or Immigration Agents Come to Your Home You do not have to let them in unless they
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If You are Arrested
Do Not Resist Arrest Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair. Remain Silent Say you wish
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Contacted by the FBI
If You Are Contacted by the FBI You do not have to answer any questions. Speak to a lawyer first.
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Immigration Status
If You are Questioned About Your Immigration Status Consider the following: Remain Silent You have the right to remain silent
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Stopped for Questioning
If You are Stopped for Questioning Stay calm, ask if you are free to leave, you have the right to
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Stopped in Your Car
If You are Stopped in Your Car Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible, show police
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