Office of the Public Defender

Albany County Office of the Public Defender Hon. Stephen W. Herrick, Public Defender 112 State Street, 2nd Floor Albany, NY 12207 Phone (518) 447-7150 Fax (518) 447-5533

The Albany County Public Defender’s Office is the primary provider of legal defense to indigent defendants charged with offenses in Albany County.

We provide holistic, client-centered representation to any eligible person facing violations, misdemeanors, felonies, homicide charges, and certain vehicle and traffic offenses in Albany County.

Our staff consists of the Public Defender, who is appointed by the County Executive and is subject to confirmation by the County Legislature, a staff of 41 attorneys, criminal investigators, social workers, mitigation experts, paralegals, a fiscal officer, discovery technicians, legal secretaries and other support staff.

Criminal Defense

The attorneys of our Criminal Defense Unit are dedicated to ensuring that each client receives the very best representation possible.

We provide zealous advocacy in all courts in Albany County from arraignment through hearings and trials, as well as post-conviction and other related proceedings.

Additionally, we represent clients whose cases are being adjudicated through the Drug and Veteran Courts of the Albany County Court, diversion programs, as well as the Albany City Court Drug, DWI, and Mental Health courts.

The staff of this office understands and addresses the struggles that lead to justice involvement. We do more than just ask about the circumstance of our clients' cases — we spend time getting to know our clients as individuals. Our team takes the time to learn about the challenges that clients face and help them tackle the issues that stand in the way of the futures they seek.

Our advocates bring together different areas of expertise to find creative solutions and defenses.

Our staff tackles every issue confronting our clients, pressing on questions like the validity of eyewitness identification, the new discovery reforms, and the need for access to police disciplinary records.

Whether a client decides to fight their case or seek an alternative resolution, their team stands behind them.

Juvenile and Adolescent Defense

Family Court Defense

Our Family Court defense team is the primary provider of legal representation for parents and caretakers who are accused of neglect or abuse in Albany Family Court under Article 10 of the Family Court Act.

These cases include termination of parental rights, custody, family offenses, paternity, visitation, and other petitions.

Family Defense Unit

If you're being investigated by CPS, the Family Defense Unit (FDU) of the Public Defender’s Office may be able to advocate for you. Learn more [PDF]

Albany County, NY

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