The primary focus of OPD’s direct legal representation is appealing death penalty, criminal, and juvenile delinquency cases. The Appellate Services Division represents clients in Ohio’s appellate courts, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and federal appellate courts, as well as in Ohio’s trial-level courts, when cases are remanded for further action. The Wrongful Conviction Project investigates and litigates claims of innocence from people incarcerated in Ohio prisons, and the Mitigation & Investigation Department provides investigatory services to OPD clients and in capital and other high-level cases across the state. Appellate Division staff also provide legal orientation to people entering Ohio prisons and juvenile facilities, and training and assistance to outside counsel. The Appellate Services Division includes the Death Penalty Department, the Juvenile Department, the Legal Department, the Mitigation & Investigation Department, and the Wrongful Conviction Project.
