Idaho State Public Defender

When the Idaho State Public Defender's Office was established in 2023, unifying all public defense services under one state agency, they needed a website that could effectively communicate their mission and serve as a vital resource for Idaho residents. As a brand-new office, the Idaho State Public Defender sought a digital platform that was not only informative but also user-friendly, ensuring that individuals in need of legal assistance could easily find the information they required during this transition period.

Our team focused on creating an intuitive, concise, and helpful online presence which aimed to support the Idaho State Public Defender in their mission to provide accessible and effective legal defense to those who need it most.

When the Idaho State Public Defender's office was established, it incorporated former county employees and contractors into state roles, creating a significant transition that needed to be addressed through the website. This transition involved not only administrative and legal adjustments but also the need to communicate these changes clearly to both the public and the employees involved. Our design approach was to ensure that the website provided clear, accessible information about this process, including dedicated sections for FAQs, News, Events, and updates specifically tailored to address the concerns of both new state employees and the general public. By doing so, we facilitated a smoother transition and helped establish trust in the new state agency.

As a newly formed government agency without an existing website, the Idaho State Public Defender's office faced the challenge of constructing its online presence from scratch. Unlike established agencies with existing digital footprints, this office needed tailored SEO solutions to gain visibility in search engines and get the word out. We implemented strategies such as keyword optimization, local business citations, and business listings to ensure that the website quickly became a go-to resource for Idaho residents seeking public defense information. We also created sitemaps and structured data schemas specifically designed to work well with search engine algorithms. These efforts were crucial in building the agency's online authority and ensuring that citizens could easily find and access the services they needed.

In developing the Idaho State Public Defender's website, we aimed to create a design that was both striking and elegant, reflecting the seriousness of the agency’s mission while adhering to the guidelines typical of government websites. The design is clean and straightforward, with a focus on usability and accessibility, but it also incorporates elements that set it apart visually, giving it a distinctive presence. This balance between tradition and modernity ensures that the website is both functional and memorable.

A key feature of the Idaho State Public Defender website is the Capital Counsel Roster, which we designed to provide detailed information about the attorneys under the office. This roster highlights which of the seven districts each attorney serves in and their areas of expertise, offering a clear and organized way for users to find the legal representation they need. This feature not only enhances transparency but also ensures that the public has easy access to critical information about the legal professionals dedicated to their defense.

Another standout feature of the Idaho State Public Defender's website is the interactive district map, which serves as a crucial tool for users to locate and access public defense services across the state. The map was designed with user experience in mind. It allows visitors to easily find their district by clicking on their location within the state map, which then provides detailed information about the corresponding district office. This includes contact information, office hours, and the names and areas of expertise of the attorneys available in that district, allowing users to seamlessly navigate between finding their district and learning about the legal professionals who will be representing them.

Overall, these tools not only enhance the functionality of the website but also serve as powerful testimonies to the Idaho State Public Defender’s mission to provide accessible, transparent, and effective legal support across the state. We transformed what could have been a static list of locations into a dynamic, user-friendly experience, making it easier for residents to connect with the legal resources they need.

The Idaho State Public Defender’s website features an exceptionally comprehensive FAQ section, addressing a wide range of topics from general inquiries to specific information about Contract/Conflict attorneys, Institutional Offices, and their required case management system, LegalServer. Given the depth and importance of this information, we implemented a structured data schema and a Google search results search box, enabling users to search the website directly from Google and highlighting the most important FAQs directly in search results pages. This feature significantly enhances user experience by providing quick access to essential information while also improving the site’s visibility in search engines.

Given the transition period and the new nature of the Idaho State Public Defender’s office, establishing a robust news and events section was essential. This section allows the office to share important updates, such as the hiring of new attorneys in each district, and other significant developments. By providing a platform for ongoing communication, we ensured that the office could keep both the public and its employees informed during this critical period of growth and change. This functionality is vital for maintaining transparency and engagement as the office continues to evolve.

From the outset, it was crucial that the Idaho State Public Defender’s website clearly communicate the office’s mission to ensure a fair and legal defense system that values the humanity and dignity of all. We infused this mission into every aspect of the website, from the language used in the content, to the design choices that emphasize accessibility and clarity. 

The website was developed using a combination of modern web technologies to ensure it is responsive and accessible on all devices, from desktop computers to mobile phones. This responsiveness is key, as it ensures that users can access vital information no matter where they are or what device they are using. Additionally, we incorporated accessibility features such as keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility, ensuring that the map is usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities. By doing so, we helped the office establish its identity and build a strong foundation of trust and respect within the community it serves.