Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has named a new state appellate public defender: Eric Fredericksen, who current serves as the chief of the SAPD’s appellate unit. Fredericksen, who holds a law degree from the University of Idaho, first joined the office in 2002; left in 2012 after 10 years to join a small private law firm; and rejoined the office in September of 2014. He replaces Sara Thomas, who left in July to become the new administrative director of Idaho courts.

“Sara set a great example of leadership and professionalism in this position, and I’m confident that Eric will be just as successful as the new Appellate Public Defender,” Otter said in a statement. “The SAPD does the underappreciated but necessary work of protecting the post-conviction constitutional rights of criminal defendants. By providing that legal representation, the SAPD helps ensure that the benefits of equal justice – including the right to appellate review – are extended to all our citizens.”  

Fredericksen has handled over 1,000 criminal appeals. Saying he’s “incredibly honored,” Fredericksen said, “I feel truly blessed to inherit a tremendous office of talented, hardworking attorneys and staff. I am excited to work with community leaders in advocating for the guarantees and protections contained in both the state and federal constitutions.”  

The SAPD oversees a legal staff that handles appeals for indigent defendants who have been convicted of felonies. In capital cases, where a death sentence is involved, the SAPD handles appeals from district court for post-conviction relief as well as direct appeals of convictions.