Public Defender
Instructions for Application for Public Defender Services Application for Public Defender Services
General Information
Staff Directory
Email
jcpublicdefender@jeffersoncountyny.gov
Phone Numbers
(315)785-3152
Fax: (315)785-5060
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
175 Arsenal Street
4th Floor
Watertown,
NY
13601
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Public Defender

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Public Defender

LAUREL A. MCCARTHY Interim Public Defender
Jefferson County Office Building
175 Arsenal Street, 4th Floor
Watertown, New York 13601

Phone: (315)785-3152
Fax: (315)785-5060
E-Mail:jcpublicdefender@jeffersoncountyny.gov
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Night courts as required

INTERIM PUBLIC DEFENDER

  • Laurel A. McCarthy

INTERIM DEPUTY ASSISTANT

  • Richard V. Naumiec

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDERS

  • Tricia L. Youker
  • Carrie M. Mason
  • Nicholas P. Fillhart
  • Krista A. Kleffner
  • Daniel R. Burke
  • Stephanie L. Aubin

PARALEGALS

  • Katherine Claymore
  • Dominic Donato
  • Lindsey Green

What We Do

We provide criminal defense services for indigent defendants in Jefferson County Court, State Parole Revocation Hearings, Watertown City Court, and Town/Village Courts in the county.

We also provide legal assistance to indigent persons in Family Court.

For County, City, and Local Courts: If the Judge determines that you cannot afford an attorney, the Court will assign our office to represent you throughout court proceedings.

For State Parole Revocation Hearings: The County Court Judge will assign us to represent an indigent individual throughout such proceedings.

For Family Court: Whether you're an appellant or respondent, if the Judge determines that you're indigent and need an attorney, our office will be assigned. Representation in Family Court includes cases of child abuse or neglect, disputed custody proceedings, paternity suites, and others.

Referral

The Judge in individual Courts make referrals to our office.

If you're incarcerated or charged with a crime, you may approach our office to fill out an application, or you can fill the application out online at: www.jeffersoncountyny.gov/PublicDefender. Once the form is completed and submitted, it will be reviewed with the appropriate Judge, and an assignment is either made or denied.

For Family Court matter, you must fill out the application at Family Court, located at 163 Arsenal Street, Watertown. Family Court will then review the application and either assign or deny.