The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is an independent government agency that provides legal representation to individuals who are charged with a crime and cannot afford to hire an attorney. PDS was established in 1963 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The organization has a staff of approximately 300 attorneys, investigators, and support personnel. PDS provides legal representation at all stages of the criminal justice process, from arraignment to appeal. The organization also provides social work services to clients and their families.