Image credit: Shepard Fairey & Brett Landrum;Amplier.org

What We Do

The Private Counsel Division of CPCS delivers legal services to 80 % of adult indigent clients in Massachusetts through assigned private attorneys in criminal defense cases in the district and superior courts, appeals & post-conviction matters, parole, and in civil commitments and administrative registration cases for persons convicted of sex offenses.

Our mission is to provide excellent legal services to each client by assuring all assigned attorneys possess the skills they need through experience or training and meet high-performance standards in their representation. We support private attorneys’ work by providing access to mentors, supervisors, resources, experts, and continued legal education.

Links to the PRIVATE COUNSEL DIVISION UNITS:

Criminal Trial Support Unit
Appeals & Post-Conviction Unit
Alternative Commitment and Registration Support Unit
Parole Advocacy Unit
Immigration Impact Unit
Innocence Program
Social Services Advocacy Unit

The CPCS Private Counsel Division welcomes feedback from clients and assigned attorneys about our service.