Whittelsey Hydrostation, Malone Photo Courtesy Franklin County Historical & Museum Society |
Announcement! The Franklin County Assigned Counsel Program is seeking attorneys to sit on its 18-B panel for indigent defense clients. If you are interested in joining this panel, please call Assigned Counsel Coordinator Jill Dyer at 518-481-1423.
Public & Conflict Defender's OfficeThe Franklin County Public, Conflict and Alternate Conflict Defender's Offices represent individuals in local criminal courts, County Court, Supreme Court and Family Court. Neither office is a private law firm and may only represent individuals assigned by the Assigned Counsel Coordinator who have cases pending in Franklin County. Cases that cannot be assigned to the Public Defender's Office are assigned to the Conflict Defender's Office; this is done when there is a conflict of interest.
Individuals who believe they may qualify for a free attorney must apply through the Office of the Assigned Counsel Coordinator located on the second floor of the County Courthouse. It is important that you bring all court documents and verification of income when you apply.
The Public and Conflict Defender's Offices do not handle civil cases, including divorces, landlord/tenant matters, or medical malpractice/personal injury claims, or credits and judgements.
Assigned Counsel CoordinatorThe Assigned Counsel Coordinator is responsible for accepting, reviewing and assigning cases to the Public or Conflict Defenders, or to the 18B Panel of private local attorneys. Case eligibility is based on the charge and the financial status of the applicant.
Public DefenderThomas Soucia
355 West Main Street, Suite 228
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: 518-481-1624
Conflict DefenderFrank Cositore, Jr.
355 West Main Street, Suite 237
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: 518-481-1593
Assigned Counsel CoordinatorJill Dyer
355 West Main Street, Suite 213
Malone, NY, NY 12953
Phone: 518-481-1423