Located in Cortland, the Public Defender's Office has one Public Defender, one Chief Assistant Public Defender and five Assistant Public Defenders. The Cortland County Public Defender's Office is charged with representing the county of Cortland in criminal defense cases resulting from lawsuits filed against the indigent clients. Public Defenders ensure that every accused citizen, regardless of financial resources, receives zealous and effective representation as mandated by the United States and New York Constitutions. Their roles and responsibilities are to provide legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients, represent clients through criminal investigative proceedings, create a defense plan, conduct investigative legal research, and interview the necessary clients and witnesses, work closely with clients, discuss relevant information and strategies. An individual must apply for a public defender by completing a detailed application for legal representation form and financial statement agreeing to provide documentation concerning income, assets and debts for the person and the person's spouse if any. For more information on the services of the Cortland County Public Defender's Office, please contact them directly.