About MSPD
View MSPD Annual Report for 2025 (web version) (.pdf)
View MSPD Annual Report for 2025 (print version) (.pdf)
View FY2024 Legislative Budget Request (.pdf)
View FY2023 Public Defender Budget Request With Governor’s Recommendations (.pdf)
View FY2022 Public Defender Budget Request With Governor’s Recommendations (.pdf)
The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is the organization responsible for providing legal representation to all indigent citizens accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri.
MSPD is a statewide system comprised of the Trial Division along with six other specialty areas, including the Capital Division, Appellate/Post-Conviction Division, Commitment Defense Unit, Children’s Defense Team, Parole Revocation Defense Team, and Strike Force.
MSPD employs approximately 700 individuals, including around 395 dedicated attorneys. These professionals are supported by a skilled team of legal staff, investigators, mitigation specialists, and administrative support. In Fiscal Year 2024, MSPD provided high-quality, zealous representation in 91,442 total cases, ensuring strong advocacy for clients across the state. MSPD district offices are located throughout Missouri.
MSPD employees have opportunities to live and work in varied settings, from urban areas with diverse cultural opportunities and reasonable living costs, such as Kansas City and St. Louis, to the tranquility of a rural environment with limitless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Training is a top priority for the Public Defender System, including a number of in-house cutting edge trial skills courses each year. Information technology capabilities allow efficient and effective communication. The resources and expertise of the whole system are available to each office, whether it is an office with two attorneys or twenty attorneys.