Contact:

Location: McKean County Courthouse Address: McKean County Public Defender 500 W. Main Street  Smethport, PA 16749 Phone: 814.887.3316 Fax: 814.887.3226 Pager: N/A E-mail: click here  Douglas Garber Chief Public Defender (appointed) Phone: 814.887.3316

McKean County Public Defender

Employees:
4 total: 2-full-time, 2-part-time non-bargaining, non-civil Service

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Representation of indigent clients in criminal matters as mandated by state and federal laws, including cases from initial proceedings and cases at different levels of representation. The Public Defender Act states that the county shall provide for a Public Defender. This mandated position is appointed by the county commissioners.
2. Prosecutes Superior Court appeals
3. Prosecutes Pennsylvania Supreme Court appeals
4. Conducts post-conviction hearings, including proceedings at the trial and appellate levels
5. Prosecutes criminal extradition proceedings
6. Handles probation and parole proceedings and revocations thereof
7. Representation of persons charged with juvenile delinquency
8. Coordination of attorney's schedules and client contacts, including the determination of financial eligibility and initial interviews, obtains information details through meetings and conferences
9. Coordinates investigation and interview of witnesses
10. Prepares and conducts appropriate handling of hearing transcripts, filings, correspondence, notices, requisitions and supplies 


Mission Statement:
The Public Defender's Office strives to assist the indigent clients in all phases of the criminal process through preparation and client representation appearing before the court, according to court-mandated deadlines.

Internal Departments:
1. District Attorney's Office - case management, court schedules, case disclosures, information sharing
2. Adult Probation Department - case management, information sharing
3. Juvenile Probation Department - case management, information sharing
4. Court of Common Pleas - pleas and sentencing procedures
5. County Sheriff and County Jail - client incarcerations, work release program
6. Commissioner's Office - annual budget matters, supplies
7. Domestic Relations Office - child support hearings, information sharing

External Agencies/Organizations:
1. all County District Justice(s) Offices - case scheduling and information sharing
2. County Sheriff and County Jail - client interviews
3. court reposing services - reposing and documentation
4. mental health service providers - referrals, representation
5. drug and alcohol service providers - evaluations, potential treatment. referrals
6. law enforcement agencies - information sharing
7. general public - case-specific investigative purposes