Poughkeepsie… The Dutchess County Office of the Public Defender hosted an open house to celebrate its new satellite office in the Village of Fishkill on August 3. The office, located at 45 Jackson Street, opened in December 2022 and has since served nearly 600 individuals, continuing the office’s commitment to ensuring access to justice and quality legal representation for individuals who cannot afford private counsel.
County Executive William F.X. O’Neil said, “Many who find themselves in the criminal justice system are suffering problems far bigger than their criminal offense – whether it’s untreated mental health issues, substance use disorders, or other challenges. Clients of the Public Defender’s Office receive so much more than just legal representation, instead are helped holistically to resolve issues that may be contributing to their recidivism and help them have a brighter future.”
The Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office is the primary legal services provider for indigent people in need of legal representation in criminal and family court in Dutchess County. Attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff collaborate to provide client-centered, holistic legal representation and services. In 2022, the office handled 6,329 cases, including 3,900 cases in the criminal and appellate courts and 2,429 cases in the family courts of Dutchess and Ulster counties. Additionally, attorneys represented individuals at 3,619 arraignments in all Dutchess County criminal courts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The office is under the leadership of Public Defender Thomas Angell, who has nearly 40 years’ experience practicing law. Mr. Angell joined Dutchess County Government in 1989 and was appointed Public Defender in 2013. He serves as a member of the Dutchess County Criminal Justice Council, where he is Co-Chair of the Jail/ATI Committee and Co-Chair of the Reentry Committee. His work as an advocate for indigent clients and the homeless has been recognized by the New York State Bar Association and National Association of Social Workers.
Mr. Angell said, “The Dutchess County Public Defender’s office plays a crucial role in ensuring that every individual, regardless of their financial circumstances, can receive competent and compassionate legal representation. By having a second office with a dedicated staff serving southern Dutchess courts, we can help bridge the gap for our clients who may not have the means to travel to and from our Poughkeepsie location for appointments, further reducing barriers to receiving the help they need.”
The Fishkill office serves clients with cases from the municipal courts of the towns of Wappinger, Fishkill, East Fishkill, Beekman, Dover, and Pawling; the villages of Wappingers Falls and Fishkill; and the City of Beacon. Family Court cases are not handled at this location.
The Fishkill satellite office is in addition to the Public Defender’s offices located at 45 Market Street in the City of Poughkeepsie. To learn more about the Public Defender, visit dutchessny.gov.
