The Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office is a legal service component of Dutchess County Government.  We provide quality legal representation to our clients who have criminal charges filed against them and who have been determined to be indigent.  We are also available to assist indigent individuals who have been contacted regarding a criminal police matter, before they have been formally charged.  We advocate for the protection of the constitutional rights of our clients and work toward achieving results that have the greatest likelihood to help and/or rehabilitate our clients.