Welcome to the Web Site of the Ontario County Office of Public Defender. The Public Defender's Office is presently located on the ground floor of the County Municipal Building at 20 Ontario Street, located in the City of Canandaiuga.

20 Ontario Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 396-4645 - Telephone
(585) 396-4348 - Facsimile

Hours of Operation: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Monday - Friday)

Public Defender’s Functions

• 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 advocates for reform and innovation throughout the criminal justice system.
• The Public Defender’s Office adds effectiveness and efficiency to the operation of the Ontario County Criminal Justice System.

Internship Opportunity:

• The Ontario County Public Defender’s Office offers internships throughout the year, for both College and Law School students. During the course of the internship, students will be exposed to multiple areas of Criminal Law and the Criminal Justice System.  Interns will have the opportunity to observe various court proceedings, visit the Ontario County Jail to meet with potential clients and to assist attorneys and staff in the administrative duties of the day to day operations of the law office.  Law students will have additional opportunities to assist attorneys with legal research and writing, as well as assisting in the preparation of hearings and trials.Students interested in participating in an internship with our Office can submit their resume and a cover letter by regular mail, or by email, at ContactPublicDefender@co.ontario.ny.us