Official Site of The State of New Jersey

The Youth Defense Unit of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) is a team of dedicated attorneys who provide specialized legal representation to young people facing charges in delinquency court across the state.

Who We Are

Our Youth Defense attorneys specialize in youth justice, trained specifically to address the unique developmental, legal, and social needs of young clients. We represent all young people in New Jersey’s delinquency system—irrespective of parental income—because under state law, all children are presumed indigent and entitled to legal counsel. An individual is believed to be indigent if they do not have the financial resources to afford a lawyer.

Additionally, our Post Disposition team is tasked with following and advocating for children committed to the Youth Justice Commission during their commitment and while on parole.

Our Holistic Defense Approach

At the NJOPD, we believe effective advocacy goes beyond the courtroom. We take a holistic approach that integrates legal defense with the support of families, schools, and communities. From initial hearings through post-disposition, we are by our clients’ sides fighting for fair treatment, appropriate services, and a path forward.

If a young person is committed to a state facility, our team continues to advocate to ensure they receive the education, treatment, and reentry support they need to thrive after release.