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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAfter more than eight years in office, Indiana Public Defender Stephen Owens will retire at the end of 2019.
The Indiana Supreme Court appointed Owens as the state’s public defender in 2011 after the retirement of former chief public defender Susan Carpenter. Owens was one of 43 attorneys who applied to succeed Carpenter. While leading the public defender’s office, Owens helped it review thousands of cases, advocate for sentence reductions for clients, and improve services for juveniles.
“Steve gave a voice to those asking for review of their case and because of his dedication to that step, our system includes fairness for all,” Chief Justice Loretta Rush said in a statement.
Owens served as a deputy and chief public defender in the statewide office for nearly 25 years after being admitted to practice in October 1985. He came to the State Public Defender’s Office the following year and was named assistant chief deputy of personnel in 1987.
“It has been an honor to work at the State Public Defender’s Office for over 33 years,” Owens said. “During those decades, I worked with many accomplished attorneys and staff who were equally committed to representing the rights of indigent defendants. I am privileged to have dedicated my career to this essential office in Indiana’s justice system.”
Details on the process for selecting Owens’ successor will be announced soon, according to a Friday Supreme Court press release. He is set to step down in December.
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