Jefferson County Public Defender

Jefferson County Public Defender's Office
Julie Hutchins, Public Defender
Jefferson County Office Building, 4th Floor
175 Arsenal Street,
Watertown, New York 13601

Phone:		(315)785-3152
Facscimile:		(315)785-5060
E-Mail:		joannem@co.jefferson.ny.us
Office Hours:		8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Night courts as required


Public Defender Julie M. Hutchins		Assistant Public Defenders
		Sheila M. Crowley
		Matthew J. Porter
Senior Assistant		Cindi S. Newtown
Laurel A. McCarthy		Heather E. Toole

Objectives

To provide criminal defense services for indigent defendants in Jefferson County Court, State Parole Revocation Hearings, and City and local courts in the County.
To provide legal assistance to those indigent persons who would normally be assigned an attorney in Family Court.

Types Of Services, Assistance

In County, City and local courts, when the Judge makes a determination that an individual cannot financially afford an attorney, the Court assigns the Public Defender to represent the Criminal Defendant throughout the proceeding. Such representation includes the drafting of motions, the negotiation of a plea and sentence, and if necessary, advocacy at a trial.
In Parole matters, the County Court Judge assigns the Public Defender to represent indigent defendants charged with State Parole violations. Such representation parallels the services in one above.
In Family Court, when the Judge determines that an indigent appellant or respondent needs an attorney, the Public Defender's Officer is assigned. Representation in Family Court includes defending charges of child abuse and neglect, representation in disputed custody proceedings, paternity suits and other miscellaneous cases.

Referral

The Judges sitting on the bench in the individual Courts make referrals to the Public Defender's Office. Also, as persons are incarcerated, or charged with crimes or Family Court matters, they will approach the office in order to fill out a financial form. The form is reviewed with the appropriate Judge and an assignment is either made or denied.