The Connecticut Public Defender Services Commission has appointed John Day as the state’s chief public defender, following his nearly two-year tenure as acting chief. Day will serve in this capacity for the next 18 months before his planned retirement. ([ctpost.com](https://www.ctpost.com/connecticut/article/john-day-ct-chief-public-defender-21305359.php?utm_source=openai))
Day’s appointment comes after the commission’s decision to remove former Chief Public Defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis in 2024, following a contentious period marked by internal conflicts and allegations of misconduct. ([ctinsider.com](https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/john-day-ct-chief-public-defender-21305359.php?utm_source=openai))
With 28 years of experience within the Division of Public Defender Services, Day has held various roles, including representing clients in juvenile court and serving as director of assigned counsel. Prior to his appointment as acting chief, he was the deputy chief public defender. ([ctinsider.com](https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/john-day-ct-chief-public-defender-21305359.php?utm_source=openai))
The commission’s chairman, retired Justice Richard Palmer, expressed confidence in Day’s leadership, noting his contributions during his tenure as acting chief. Palmer highlighted Day’s efforts in undertaking several projects that the commission wishes him to complete during his term. ([ctinsider.com](https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/john-day-ct-chief-public-defender-21305359.php?utm_source=openai))
Day’s appointment occurs amid ongoing challenges within the public defender system, including staffing shortages and budgetary constraints. In 2025, the eligibility threshold for public defender services was raised to 250% of the federal poverty level, increasing the agency’s caseload and necessitating the hiring of additional staff. Subsequent budget proposals aimed to revert this threshold, potentially leading to layoffs, but the agency successfully advocated for maintaining the expanded eligibility. ([ctmirror.org](https://ctmirror.org/2026/01/20/public-defenders-are-in-short-supply-in-ct-would-a-raise-help/?utm_source=openai))
As Day assumes the role of chief public defender, he is expected to address these systemic issues and guide the agency through a period of transition, ensuring the continued provision of legal representation to Connecticut’s indigent population.