The Federal Public Defender for the District of Puerto Rico is an independent organization within the Judicial Branch of the federal government, charged with providing legal representation to indigent defendants in the Federal Court. Our foremost obligation, of course, is the zealous representation of our clients

Joseph C. Laws, Jr., is the Public Defender for the District of Puerto Rico. The Office is staffed with eleven trial attorneys, a research-writing specialist who is also an attorney, four investigators, one paralegal, and a eleven support staff. The members of this Office share a commitment for our client’s cause, and a dedication to vigorous legal representation. The goal of the Federal Public Defender’s Office is to provide the highest quality legal representation possible, consistent with the law and ethical obligations. We share the obligation of every attorney and every citizen to promote the effective administration of justice.

In addition to our other duties, we provide assistance to criminal defense attorneys in the CJA panel.

Our Offices are located at 241 F. D. Roosevelt Avenue San Juan Puerto Rico, 00918-2441.   We can be contacted at (787) 281-4922 or by fax (787) 281-4899.