Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) was established in 2004 to ensure the Constitutional right to counsel for individuals who cannot afford their own legal representation. The organization oversees 25 public defender offices and four capital defender offices across Virginia, with a focus on maintaining high professional standards. It enforces the mandatory Standards of Practice for Court-Appointed Counsel in Non-Capital Cases, recertifies attorneys seeking appointments in criminal cases, and offers certification training courses. The VIDC is dedicated to providing zealous and compassionate legal advocacy, emphasizing high-quality representation and continual improvement in criminal defense. This commitment to defending the rights and dignity of its clients aligns with the growing need for accessible and ethical legal services.