The Conflict Defender’s Office represents indigent clients on their criminal and family matters pending in St. Lawrence County Court, St. Lawrence County Family Court, Judicial Diversion Program (felony drug court), Ogdensburg Drug Treatment Court, and the local criminal courts within the county.
The Conflict Defender’s Office is located on the second floor of the Public Safety Building on Court Street in Canton, New York. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (Summer Hours: support staff may be available at 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.)
Clients may contact the office at (315) 379-2282 during business hours.
Clients are assigned to our office by the courts and/or via application.
Eligibility: In order to qualify for services, clients must complete an application and return it to the St. Lawrence County Office of Indigent Defense, 48 Court Street Canton, New York, 13617-1169. To request an application, please call (315) 379-2401.
Assigned Attorney: If a client is determined to be eligible for an assigned attorney, the Office of Indigent Defense will notify the client if s/he will be represented by the Public Defender’s Office, the Conflict Defender’s Office or an attorney on the assigned counsel list. Once you have received notification that an attorney has been assigned to your case, you should not contact the court directly for any reason.
Fees for Services: The Conflict Defender’s services are free to indigent clients unless a judge orders repayment to St. Lawrence County by the client. Repayment is ordered at $75/hour for legal services and expenses on felony cases and family matters; and $60/hour for legal services and expenses misdemeanors and violations. Clients may be placed under a court order to pay the county a monthly fee during the pendency of their case. A final bill is sent to the client upon conclusion of the case.
Support Staff: The support staff of the Conflict Defender’s Office assists the attorneys in preparation of the client’s case for court. They also assist the client to ensure they are informed of the progress of the case and its status. While they may answer some basic questions the client has, they cannot give legal advice. Clients should contact our support staff to schedule appointments with their attorneys; to verify their court date; to request adjournments; to make arrangements to review and sign documents the attorneys have prepared for filing with the court on their behalf; and to update their contact information.
Change of Address/Phone: Clients that have a change of address or new phone number should call our office during business hours or email a member of our support staff using our contact form.
