General Information
Phone Numbers
(315)785-3152
Fax: (315)785-5060
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
175 Arsenal Street
4th Floor
Watertown,
NY
13601

Public Defender

Julie Hutchins , 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@co.jefferson.ny.us
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Night courts as required

PUBLIC DEFENDER Julie M. Hutchins

DEPUTY ASSISTANT

SENIOR ASSISTANT

Laurel A. McCarthy

Richard V. Naumiec

ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDERS

Tricia L. Youker

Carrie M. Mason

John F. Zimberlin

Nicholas P. Fillhart

Krista A. Kleffner

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.