Chief Public Defender Bennett J. Baur

LOPD News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Defender Commission has unanimously appointed current Chief Public Defender Bennett J. Baur for a third four-year term leading the state Law Offices of the Public Defender.

The LOPD employs more than 400 New Mexicans in the service of providing legal representation to indigent people charged with a crime in the state’s courts, The independent state agency most recently received an $80.2 million budget to operate 13 offices across the state and to coordinate a network of about 75 contract attorneys. The New Mexico Public Defender Commission selects the chief public defender and provides guidance on the administration of the department.

“The Commission looks forward to continuing to work closely with Chief Ben Baur over the next four years. Chief Baur has demonstrated excellent leadership and continues his strong commitment to protecting the rights of all LOPD clients,” Commission Chairwoman Gina Maestas said.

Baur began his career as a trial attorney in the Albuquerque office of the public defender in 1993. After time as an assistant district attorney and nine years in private practice, he returned to the LOPD as the First Judicial District Defender in Santa Fe. He has also served as deputy chief and interim chief for the department. He was first appointed chief in 2016. Baur is a past president of the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and has advocated on criminal justice issues in the New Mexico legislature for more than 25 years. He resides in Santa Fe.