WILMINGTON — Kevin O’Connell was sworn in as chief defender of the Delaware Office of Defense Services on Wednesday during a small ceremony at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center.

Mr. O’Connell was appointed to the position by Gov. John Carney and confirmed by the Delaware Senate in May. He replaces Brendan O’Neill, who retired May 31.

Superior Court President Judge Jan R. Jurden administered the oath of office, as Mr. O’Connell’s wife, Marilyn, held the Bible. Mr. O’Connell was surrounded by friends, family, Gov. Carney and co-workers during the ceremony.

Mr. O’Connell is the state’s fourth chief defender. He has been with the ODS since 2005, most recently as the head of the New Castle County Division and leader of the office’s Superior Court Unit. Prior to that, he was in private practice.

Mr. O’Connell is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a founding member of the Delaware Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Widener University Delaware Law School.

The ODS consists of the Public Defender’s Office, the Office of Conflicts Counsel and Central Administration. The office represents anyone who cannot afford an attorney and is charged with a crime that includes potential jail time. The ODS also represents all juveniles facing criminal charges.

The chief defender oversees the office and staff of nearly 200 employees.