• We will continue to meet with clients by phone.
• We will continue to appear for hearings if scheduled.
• We will continue to take applications via mail, email, phone, or dropped off at the court if you are scheduled.

• Regular U.S. mail
• Email at [email protected]
• Fax: 419-627-6633
• Phone: 419-627-6620

The Erie County Public Defender is the county agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to those accused of a crime who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. The United States Constitution and the Ohio Constitution guarantee the right to an attorney, because an attorney is needed to protect an individual’s rights and to present the evidence necessary for a fair and reliable determination of guilt or innocence. The Erie County Public Defender is critical to the fairness of the criminal justice system: the quality of justice the person receives should not be determined by the person’s financial status.

• Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) 120.15 - Powers and Duties of the County Public Defender.
• Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) 120.16 - Legal Representation to be provided.

• T. Douglas Clifford (DIRECTOR)
• Christopher Carroll
• Harsh Tandon
• Kelli Jelinger
• Robert Ritzler
• Elizabeth Marshall
• Alyssa Sidelka

• Emily Foreman - Licensed Social Worker