The Office of the State Appellate Defender is a state agency that represents indigent persons on appeal in criminal cases when appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court, Appellate Court and Circuit Court. It has a capital post-conviction unit that represents death row inmates in various proceedings. The office also includes a capital trial assistance unit that provides trial support in death penalty cases. Its unit also offers assistance from expert witnesses, investigators and mitigation specialists. The Office of the State Appellate Defender manages an expungement unit that provides information on the expungement and sealing processes to eligible ex-offenders, as well as maintains help lines. The office is governed by the State of Illinois.