Public Defenders play an important role in our social fabric by insuring that those who can least afford legal representation in our Courts are fully protected. The constitutions of both the United States and the State of Indiana require that indigent persons charged with criminal offenses be provided effective representation at public expense at both the trial and appellate levels. In addition, case law and legislation have required the appointment of counsel in other areas. Without a system in place to provide for these needs, those who can least afford legal representation would have no defense, no protection.
In the Fall of 2000 the Vanderburgh County Public Defender Agency was created and became operational in January, 2001. The Agency has responsibility for the representation of indigent clients in all areas of Vanderburgh County Courts, where a person is entitled to an attorney as a matter of law. We have Attorneys assigned to the Circuit and Superior Courts Felony Divisions, Misdemeanor Court, Juvenile Court and all criminal appeals. In addition, Attorneys employed by the Agency handle termination of parental rights cases, children in need of services cases and mental health commitments. Our staff consists of:
Office Staff
Jenny Beck-Secretary
Donna Hall-Secretary
Nancy Schmitt-Secretary
Christal Hampton-Administrative Assistant
Kile Bosler-Paralegal
Michael Mattingly-Paralegal
Bill Denton-Investigator
Full-Time Felony Division
Stephen Owens-Chief Public Defender
David Bunner-First Deputy Public Defender
Barry Blackard-Attorney
Jon Schaefer-Attorney
Part-Time Felony Division
Circuit Court
John Brinson-Attorney
Chad Groves-Attorney
Michael Hayden-Attorney
Christian Lenn-Attorney
Conor O'Daniel-Attorney
Dennis Vowels-Attorney
Jake Warrum-Attorney
Barbara Williams-Attorney
Superior Court
Yvonne Carter-Attorney
Beverly Corn-Attorney
Dawnya Taylor-Attorney
Russell Woodson-Attorney
Misdemeanor Court
Mark Foster-Attorney
Ron Freson-Attorney
David Lamont-Attorney
Juvenile Court Deliquency Cases
Heather Burton-Attorney
Sonny Reisz-Attorney
Juvenile Court-Chins/Termination/Paternity Cases
Erin Berger-Attorney
Julie Fox-Attorney
Tom Krochta-Attorney
LaShay Newton-Attorney
Our commitment is to provide experienced legal representation to all persons entitled to indigent representation as determined by a Court. If you have concerns about the manner in which your case is being handled by this office, you may contact the Chief Public Defender by mail to discuss your concerns.