Minnesota Board of Public Defense

10/22/2026

Need help resolving a warrant? Take that first step without fear.

Join us for our upcoming Warrant Resolution Event, designed to help you clear your record in a safe, supportive environment.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Where: Winona County Courthouse (171 W 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987)

We are here to help you move forward.

10/19/2026

10/12/2026

Free Legal Assistance Event ⚖️
Have legal questions or need help resolving outstanding warrants? Stop by the Vermilion Social Center on Wednesday, October 28th, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM for free, direct support.
Services offered:
-Connect with your Public Defender
-Assistance with quashing warrants
-Answers to general legal questions
-Information on local community resources
📍 Location: Vermilion Social Center (1610 Farm Road S, Tower, MN 55790)
📅 Date & Time: Oct 28, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Open to the public—all are welcome!

10/08/2026

Indigenous Peoples Day is Monday, October 12, 2026. The City of Mankato will be holding a remembrance for the Dakota 38. In addition, the Minnesota State University, Mankato is holding an event scheduled from 3:00 -7:00 pm. (below is the link to the schedule).

Come and celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day 2026 at Mankato East High School. Free activities for kids! Indigenous arts and craft vendors! Local food trucks!

10/05/2026

Congratulations to Chief Justice Theodora Gaïtas and Associate Justice Reynaldo Aligada on their appointments to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

10/05/2026

Resolve your outstanding warrant for free at Union Gospel Mission (219 E. First St., Duluth, MN)! Join us on October 14th or November 18th between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

10/01/2026

Clear a warrant, get your driver's license back, and live better.

JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY CONNECT - 10:00am - 2:00pm - Thursday, October 22, 2026

Damiano Center, 206 W 4th Street, Duluth, MN

09/29/2026

On Friday, Board of Public Defense Chief Dan Lew and Defender Eric Hodge—a proud two-time HBCU alumnus—headed to Howard University School of Law for their Public Defender Career Fair. They connected with the next generation of public defenders and shared the vital work and career opportunities available at MNBOPD.

Huge thanks to Howard Law for hosting us!

09/28/2026

📢 NOW HIRING: Chief Public Defenders! 🏛️✨

Step into a leadership role where you can protect rights, uplift our community, and drive real systemic justice. We’re looking for passionate legal leaders for our 5th and 10th Districts!

💰 Salary: $194,000 – $221,955 / year
📍 Locations: District 5 & District 10

Ready to make an impact?
👉 How to Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pubdefmn

09/23/2026

Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Minnesota Board of Public Defense voted unanimously to appoint Virginia Murphrey to serve as the State Public Defender. Ms. Murphrey will replace William Ward, who is retiring after forty years of public defender work with the last twelve years as State Public Defender. Ms. Murphrey will serve out the remainder of a four-year term which expires in June 2030.
Ms. Murphrey is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. She has served as an Assistant Public Defender, Managing Attorney and for the last 14 years has been the Chief Public Defender in the Tenth Judicial District.