The Columbia County Public Defender's Office is located in Hudson, NY. With one First Assistant Public Defender and six Assistant Public Defenders, this office provides representation to indigent criminal defendants in Hudson County. The Columbia County Public Defender's Office takes criminal, family court and parole cases. In addition, they provide legal representation to indigent defendants in Columbia County who cannot pay for private counsel and risk losing their liberty if convicted. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay and the right to a lawyer. The privilege of offering representation to those in need is why the law has offered public defense services. If you are interested in applying for assigned counsel on your case, please download and print out the Assigned Counsel Application available. If you are applying for Family Court, you must also fill out the Family Court Questionnaire for all Family Court Cases. Also, please provide proof of income if requested. For information about who qualifies for representation by the Public Defender's Office and how and when you can apply, please visit their website.