Public Defender Commission

Missouri State Public Defender
1000 West Nifong, Building 7, Suite 100
Columbia, MO 65203

Phone: (573)-777-9977
Fax: (573)-777-9975

Email: Public.Defender@mspd.mo.gov
Website: http://www.publicdefender.mo.gov/

Director: Mary Fox - Director

Details on Board or Commission

Authority: RSMo 600.015

Department: Office of State Public Defender

Mission:

Function: The Public Defender Commission is responsible for the hiring of the State Public Defender Director. They also, with the assistance of the Director, determine the philosophy of the State Public Defender System. They review the budget request prepared by the director and provide support of the request before the legislature. They make any rules needed for the administration of the state public defender system.

SubCommittees: none

Details on Meetings

Number of meetings: 4 to 5 meetings; committee meetings and teleconferences as needed

Location of meetings: Jefferson City, Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks, St. Louis, Kansas City or Springfield

Duration of meetings: 1 day

Preparation time for meetings: 1 hour

Total time commitment: 10 to 15 hours

Details on Members

Total members: 8

Appointed members: 7

Term length: 6 years

Compensation: Members receive reimbursement for realized and necessary expenses.

Member Requirements: 4 members must be lawyers

Political Requirements: yes, not more than 4 members may be members of the same political party

Geographic Requirements: none

Senate Consent Required: Yes