OKLAHOMA CITY — Brigitte Biffle has been appointed Chief Public Defender of Oklahoma County, succeeding Robert “Bob” Ravitz. With over 12 years at the Public Defender’s Office, Biffle has been interim chief since January 2024.
A Duncan native, Biffle studied criminology at the University of Oklahoma and earned her law degree from Oklahoma City University. She has represented thousands of clients, with many cases ending in dismissal or a not-guilty verdict. She briefly moved to private practice until she got a call from Ravitz to come back to the Public Defender’s Office.
Recruited
Ravitz was Chief Public Defender from 1987 to 2024, mentoring Biffle as his successor. He died in January 2024 at 71, leaving a significant legacy. Biffle, who then served as interim chief, prepared for her role by handling key tasks like contract preparations and legislative navigation.
Biffle said she felt prepared to lead and continue Ravtiz’s legacy having had a strong professional relationship with Robert Ravitz, who mentored her and expressed his hope that she would eventually succeed him.
“I spoke to Mr. Ravitz a couple of times during my time in private practice,” Biffle said. “In 2023, Mr. Ravitz called me and asked me to come back to the Public Defender’s Office to be his First Assistant. He spoke to me about his hope that I would eventually take over for him when he retired.”
Responsibility and purpose
She feels a deep sense of responsibility and purpose in taking over his position, driven by her passion for helping indigent clients and continuing the work they started together.
“I want to expand on a lot of programs that Mr. Ravitz started,” Biffle said.
Donna Law, Office Manager at the Public Defender’s Office, worked closely with both Ravitz and Biffle. She felt a sense of relief when Ravitz appointed Biffle as his First Assistant in 2023. Law noted that Ravitz and Biffle’s strong connection eased the leadership transition, even amidst the office’s loss.
“She has embraced so many of his visions of the office for so long,” Law said.
Biffle’s client-focused approach takes into account each individual’s history and challenges, including untreated mental health and substance abuse issues, recognizing that many clients rely heavily on their attorney for support.
The Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office ensures fair legal representation for those unable to afford private attorneys. It handles a broad spectrum of cases through its Felony, Misdemeanor, Appellate, Juvenile, and Civil divisions, covering everything from serious felonies to adoptions.
‘In your corner’
As Chief Public Defender, Biffle oversees the office, coordinates staff, and ensures that constitutional rights are upheld. She focuses on funding, client issues, and pretrial release and bail, striving for positive outcomes. Biffle takes pride in witnessing clients improve their lives, achieving sobriety, employment, and family reunification.
“Seeing the progress current and former clients are making keeps me motivated,” she said.
“There is nothing more important than having someone in your corner to walk someone through the legal process, regardless of their circumstances,” Biffle told Free Press in an interview.
Biffle has placed clients in drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, with a focus on expanding these rehabilitation programs. Oklahoma County’s Drug Court, one of the largest in the U.S., supports about 400 participants and boasts a graduation rate 20% above the national average.
Other initiatives include Veterans Court and COOP (Court-Ordered Outpatient Program), which allows case dismissal after a year of treatment for low-level offenses. Biffle emphasizes understanding clients’ backgrounds and building relationships to effectively advocate for them.
“I think every single person is capable of change and of redemption,” she said.
Law noted that Biffle and Ravitz quickly aligned in their collaboration and shared ideals. After his passing, Biffle swiftly took over and continued his legacy.
Biffle said she is dedicated to expanding her predecessor’s programs and increasing resources for juveniles.
She also highlighted the need for more training opportunities for lawyers and addressing systemic issues like bail reform and funding for rehabilitation programs. She criticized the arbitrary setting of bond amounts, emphasizing that each case is unique and individuals should have the opportunity to be heard.
“Every individual should have an individualized bail hearing after being able to meet with an attorney,” Biffle said.
Resources for substance abuse and mental health treatment
Biffle discussed efforts to provide more resources for substance abuse and mental health treatment, noting a lack of funding and issues with proper care and housing.
In 2017, the passing of State Question 780 reclassified simple drug possession and some nonviolent theft-related crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Per State Question 781, which voters also approved, the State of Oklahoma was required to use the money saved on prison costs to fund substance abuse and mental health services, but funding for diversion courts only started arriving recently.
Many are unaware that counties haven’t received this funding until now. In 2024, Oklahoma counties finally get money from State Question 781, which Biffle hopes will help reduce crime rates.
Biffle is working to expand treatment court programs with funds from State Question 781. This includes hiring recovery navigators and supervision officers to support participants. She stresses the importance of comprehensive resources, such as housing, transportation, and drug testing funds, for successful outcomes.
“I think it is public perception that the legislation didn’t work, but the money going to help reform in those areas is only now available,” Biffle said. “I do think the funding will go a long way in helping rehabilitate individuals and reduce recidivism, the money being put towards causes, such as housing, transportation, and treatment programs for those that need it.”
Biffle seeks to enhance public perception and fairness in the justice system, arguing that misconceptions can undermine effective policies. She believes that with appropriate support and resources, individuals can reintegrate successfully into society.
“Public perception of crime and misunderstanding of the system and what is actually happening leads the public to fear individuals being released,” she said.
Raising community awareness
Biffle seeks to raise community awareness about the Public Defender’s office and available services through partnerships with organizations like Diversion Hub and The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM). These collaborations offer public education, warrant clearing events, and expungement support, focusing on breaking cycles of incarceration and aiding individuals in rebuilding their lives.
“We love helping spread the word about these places,” Biffle said. “They both offer so many resources to people who are struggling,” Biffle said.
Biffle is improving education and training for diversion court attorneys, including recent participation in the All Rise program, which focuses on best practices for these courts. She aims to apply best practices and provide further training for misdemeanor and felony attorneys. Despite budget constraints and rising costs for expert witnesses, Biffle remains dedicated to community outreach, expanding rehabilitation programs, and improving team training.
“I feel as though it is my purpose to help these individuals,” Biffle told Free Press. “Every single person deserves the best legal counsel and someone who is in their corner fighting for them.”
She is optimistic about ongoing progress, noting decreasing crime rates in Oklahoma County. Biffle’s appointment as Chief Public Defender signifies a significant advance in public defense and community impact.
Zoe Elrod covers events and happenings around Oklahoma City for Free Press bringing her skill as a reporter and photographer. Zoe has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks.