Central Defense Initiative

06/18/2026

We are proud to have third-year Ole Miss law student Grace Brian interning with us through the MS Bar Association’s Rural Clerkship program. Grace was sworn in by Hon. Joseph Loper this week for limited practice in the State Courts.

03/18/2026

On Gideon Day, we reflect on a simple but powerful truth: justice is only possible when both sides are heard.

While the Gideon decision set the standard in 1963, the work to fulfill that promise continues. At Central Defense Initiative, we are finding new ways to bridge the gap and do our best to bring quality representation to those who need it most. The journey toward 'equal justice under the law' is long, but we celebrate just how far we have come.

We hope to continue to be able to do this important work for the foreseeable future

The fate of a pilot program to provide public defenders in rural counties — called “a model for the nation” — is now in the hands of a legislative conference committee. https://ow.ly/3ozK50Yw45Q

03/06/2026

Thanks for our group photoshoot Miranda Burchfield Photography, LLC

02/04/2026

https://www.breezynews.com/attala/central-defense-initiative-to-move-into-their-new-office/

Richard Carter and his agency, Central Defense Initiative are slated to move into their new office soon and have announced an open house to celebrate. It’ll be on February 10th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM and […]

01/28/2026

Please make plans to stop by for a visit at our newly renovated office on the square in downtown Kosciusko

01/22/2026

We are excited to let the public know that we currently have one staff attorney position to fill. This is your chance to become a part of a truly impactful and meaningful Day One Public Defense office.

01/22/2026

Our team of dedicated attorneys

01/17/2026

So proud to be a part of this journey and the work we're blessed to be able to do.

“This pilot is working the way we were hoping,” said Senate Judiciary Committee A chairman, State Senator Brice Wiggins (R).