Office of the Alternate
Defense Counsel
Who We Are
The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel (ADC) is a state agency that provides legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges who can’t afford a lawyer and the Office of the State Public Defender has a conflict of interest. For example, if the Public Defender represents someone else involved in the same case, the court appoints an ADC approved lawyer.
Integrity
Client-Centered Advocacy
INTEGRITY
As a state agency, ADC is committed to using public funding effectively and efficiently to support strong defense teams across Colorado. Our principles drive us to confront systemic injustice and hold ourselves and our partners to the highest ethical and professional standards.
CLIENT-CENTERED ADVOCACY
We aim to ensure that every ADC client receives high-quality representation. ADC centers the experiences and dignity of clients by supporting multidisciplinary defense teams who are dedicated to listening to, understanding, and advocating for the holistic needs of their clients.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
ADC works to advance equity by ensuring legal representation and support to indigent (low-income) clients when Colorado’s public defender's office has a conflict of interest. ADC advocates for Colorado’s ADC defense teams across the state.
