The Office of Indigent Defense DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE AND IS NOT A LAW FIRM.
If you are requesting attorney services, you must complete the appropriate form(s) below and submit to the Office of Indigent Defense for a preliminary determination of eligiblity.
Applicants must complete all questions on the application to be considered for attorney services. If the application is incomplete, additional information will be requested which may delay an assignment of counsel. In addition to the required financial documents, it is beneficial to include copies of court documents with your application.
Application for Attorney Services (Criminal Court)
Application for Attorney Services (Family Court)
Application for Attorney Services (Supreme Court - IDV)
Affidavit of Financial Circumstances
Notice of Right to Seek Review
Traffic Reduction Information (Traffic Infraction)
The following is a list of REQUIRED documents that must be submitted with your application to be considered for assignment of counsel:
If EMPLOYED:
Pay stubs covering the last thirty (30) days or a letter from your employer, on letterhead, indicating proof of employment, number of hours worked, and net wages.
If UNEMPLOYED:
A copy of the letter of eligibility from the NY State Department of Labor AND most recent unemployment printout.
If SELF-EMPLOYED:
A copy of the income tax return for the past calendar year OR copies of the books and records of the business showing income and expenses during the last thirty (30) days.
If receiving FAMILY ASSISTANCE (TANF), SAFETY NET ASSISTANCE (SNA), SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE (SNAP), NEW YORK STATE SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAM (SSP), MEDICAID, or PUBLIC HOUSING ASSISTANCE:
A copy of a current benefit letter. If you reside with an individual receiving assistance, you must submit a copy of their benefit letter which indicates that you are a member of the household.
If receiving SOCIAL SECURITY, SSI/SSD, or WORKER'S COMPENSATION:
A copy of a current award letter and a copy of a recent SS, SSI, SSD, or Worker's Compensation check stub, if Direct Deposit, a bank statement for the last thirty (30) days.
If you currently DO NOT HAVE AN INCOME and DO NOT RECEIVE PUBLIC BENEFITS:
You must submit a signed AND NOTARIZED statement (see Affidavit of Financial Circumstance above) providing a detailed explanation of how you are maintaining basic needs and living expenses (food, shelter, transportation, cash, etc.). This document can be notarized at the Office of Indigent Defense, the courthouse, or at any bank or local town or village office. Proof of identiy is required for notary services.
Completed applications AND the required supporting documents can be mailed to:
St. Lawrence County Office of Indigent Defense
48 Court Street
Canton, N.Y. 13617
Completed applications AND the required supporting documents can be faxed to (315) 379-0401.
For further assistance, please contact the Office of Indigent Defense at (315) 379-2401.
