Brooklyn Defender Services

Brooklyn Defender Services is a public defense office whose mission is to provide outstanding representation and advocacy free of cost to people facing loss of freedom, family separation and other serious legal harms by the government.

For over 25 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. We are proud to serve nearly 22,000 people each year. As public defenders, we not only provide direct legal defense, but we also work to eliminate and reduce the harmful impacts of the criminal, family court, and immigration systems. 

Many of the people we represent are experiencing housing and food insecurity, health concerns, and other difficult circumstances. Our approach to public defense is to offer complete defense with a wide range of support including social work services and access to critical resources that individuals and families need to stay together and thrive. 

Every year, we distribute daily essential items to hundreds of BDS clients because of contributions from generous supporters like you.

Your gift will provide the people we serve with vital and life-sustaining resources such as clothing, groceries, childcare items, transportation to medical appointments, and cell phones to stay connected to their families, legal team, and other support systems. 

Will you help us support New Yorkers in need with a gift today?

To learn more visit our website: bds.org