Public Defender’s Functions

• The Public Defender provides and promotes quality legal representation to indigent defendants facing a loss of liberty in Ontario County. 
• The Public Defender protects the community's interest in the fair administration of justice.
• The Public Defender provides constitutionally mandated legal representation in criminal matters to people who cannot afford to pay for their own lawyer.
• The Public Defender handles matters involving felonies, misdemeanors, appeals, parole, probation, vehicle & traffic, and some simple violations of law, in Ontario County Court, Geneva and Canandaigua City Court, Drug Court, and the various Justice Courts in Ontario County.
• The Public Defender provides educational and outreach services to schools and community organizations.
• The Public Defender offers training to its staff and other attorneys who handle criminal matters in Ontario County.
• The Public Defender advises the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors on issues involving criminal justice services.
• The Public Defender advocates for reform and innovation throughout the criminal justice system.