Purpose:
The Public
Defender Commission appoints the Hamilton County Public
Defender and sets the general operational policy for the
office. The Public Defender assesses indigency, subject to
review of the Court, and the staff provides legal and
administrative services that ensure effective representation
in criminal and family law matters.
Establishing Authority:
Pursuant
to Chapter 120 of the Ohio Revised Code the County
Commissioners established the Public Defender Commission on
July 26, 1976 by BOCC resolution, Volume 183, Image 36.
Composition:
The commission shall have
five members, three of whom shall be appointed by the Board
of County Commissioners (BOCC), and two by the presiding
judge of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. At least
one member appointed by each of these appointing bodies
shall be an attorney admitted to the practice of law in
Ohio. Meetings shall be held at least quarterly and at such
other times as called by the chairman or by request of the
County Public Defender.
Terms:
Terms of
office shall be for four years, each term ending on the same
day of the same month of the year as did the term which it
succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of his
appointment until the end of the term for which he was
appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring
prior to the expiration of the term for which his
predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the
remainder of such term. Any member shall continue in office
subsequent to the expiration date of his term until his
successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has
elapsed, whichever occurs first.
Compensation:
Members
may receive an amount fixed by the County Commissioner's, not in excess
of the amounts set for the members of the OH Public Defender
Commission pursuant to ORC Section 124.14 per diem, and
necessary expenses including mileage for each mile traveled.
Contact:
Raymond T. Faller, County Public Defender
230 E Ninth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202