Assigned Counsel Program News Today

At Wednesdays State of the County address, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz will announce hes laying the groundwork for a new Public Defenders Office.

Local governments will shell out millions of dollars more starting this year providing legal defense to those who cannot afford to pay for their own lawyers.

New York State was supposed to pass its 2024 budget on April first, but disagreements between the Governor and State Legislature over issues relating to bail reform, housing and healthcare

The executive director of Onondaga County's Assigned Counsel Program says the low pay rates limit the number of lawyers and cases they can take on, delaying justice for hundreds of clients.

Two county judges and a pair of Rochester-area attorneys are the candidates for seats on the state Supreme Court in the 7th Judicial District that includes Cayuga County.

A Rochester defense attorney with prosecutorial experience is running for state Supreme Court judge in the 7th Judicial District.

Lawyers assigned to represent children and low-income litigants in matters such as child neglect and domestic violence are quitting due to low pay. Gov. Kathy Hochul is being urged to increase their hourly rate in the pending April 1 budget.

Years in current role:4 What do you enjoy most about your role? I get to help a lot of people. The Monroe County Conflict Defender’s Office, and the attorneys of the Assigned Counsel Program, represent thousands of clients in criminal, Family Court and appellate matters each year. We represent the most vulnerable populations in our society during the worst times in their lives. I am filled with pride every time one of our attorneys helps a client get their children returned to them, gets evid...