The purpose or mission of the Public Defender System is to provide quality legal representation to individuals accused of crimes in the State of SC when those persons cannot afford an attorney because of their economic status. The First Circuit Public Defender is responsible to provide representation to such individuals in the First Judicial Circuit. This includes Calhoun, Dorchester and Orangeburg Counties.

New and Improved Web Site

September 1st, 2009

The First Circuit Public Defender office is currently undergoing a renovation of its web presence. Along with the new and improved web site will be several pages with updated content including community photos and biography info. for our attorneys. Browsing the location and directory pages allows visitors more detailed information and a better scope of the areas in which our office serves in the SC Lowcountry. Be patient as the redesign is complete, and please contact us with any questions or comments regarding the site. Thank you!

Leiendecker Sworn in as Chief Public Defender

March 4th, 2008

Attorney Mark Leiendecker is the new head of South Carolina’s First Circuit office of Public Defender beginning in March 2008. He is the seventh Circuit Public Defender to take this SC position. He operates three offices which are located in Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties. Read more about these locations and find office contact information on our site.