Chris Miles Selected as State’s Chief Defender of Indigent Legal Services
Press Release
For Immediate Release: Sept. 18, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, UJS Public Information Office, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us or 605.773.2031
Chris Miles Selected as State’s Chief Defender of Indigent Legal Services
PIERRE, S.D.— The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services has chosen Chris Miles as chief defender for the new Office of Indigent Legal Services.
Miles has been employed with the Minnehaha County Public Defender Office since 2015. He has served as a senior deputy public defender and as a senior trial attorney. In that role, he has supervised attorneys handling adult criminal cases, juvenile cases, and child abuse and neglect proceedings. Miles has had a particular focus on appellate practice before the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Created during the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session, the Commission on Indigent Legal Services and the Office of Indigent Legal Services are tasked with expanding the efficiency and efficacy of indigent criminal defense across South Dakota. HB 1057 directed that the initial focus of the Commission and Office be on providing statewide representation for criminal cases on direct appeal.
The initial focus for Chief Defender Miles and his office will be to establish protocols for handling appeals, hiring attorneys and support personnel to litigate those appeals, and to take the burden of those cases which currently is on county governments.
“The Commission was fortunate to have exceptional candidates for the chief defender position. We are excited about Chris Miles being the first chief defender,” said Commission on Indigent Legal Services Chair Neil Fulton, who is dean of the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law.
“Chris has excellent experience in criminal litigation at both the trial and appellate level. His reputation for integrity and ability is exceptional. I have been fortunate to see his work as instructor of the Law School’s criminal defense practicum; he cares deeply about efficient and effective criminal defense and about training the next generation of criminal defense lawyers,” Fulton continued. “There is significant work ahead of Chris, so patience is important, but the Commission is excited to see his vision and ability go to work.”
“I am deeply honored to be appointed as the chief defender for South Dakota’s Office of Indigent Legal Services,” Miles said of his appointment. “The Commission has recognized the significant challenges in ensuring quality legal representation for those who are unable to access or afford it.
“This office marks a crucial step forward in safeguarding the rights of indigent defendants and upholding the core principles of fairness and due process. We have an extraordinary opportunity to address these challenges and strengthen our justice system,” said Miles. “I look forward to collaborating with dedicated legal professionals and community partners who share this important vision.”
In the coming weeks, Chief Defender Miles will be posting openings for other attorneys and support personnel.
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