Monroe County Public Defender's Office

The Clean Slate Act ( CPL 160.57)
Takes Effect: November 16, 2024

Olympics uses Rochester native and former Public Defender, Danielle Ponder’s song in commercial

Olympics uses Rochester native Danielle Ponder’s song in commercial - NewsBreak ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester’s own Danielle Ponder tweeted how she loved that the Olympics used her song “Some of Us Are Brave” for a commercial. Ponder,...

On July 24, 1964
chaos erupted in Rochester, NY.

Celebrating Independence Day and the pursuit of justice at the Monroe County Public Defender's Office.

We at the Monroe County Public Defender's Office are excited to be a part of this incredible celebration! We'll be on hand to provide information and insight about our services and commitment to the community. Come check us out and join in the festivities as we honor freedom and unity.

Internship Update at the Monroe County Public Defender's Office

Our interns have been diving into their roles with enthusiasm and dedication, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field of public defense.

One of the most exciting opportunities thus far has been their chance to connect with our very own Julie Cianca. Her guidance and insights have been incredibly inspiring for our interns, helping them to better understand the critical work we do here.

We are proud of our interns and look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions!

Honoring George Perry Floyd Jr.

Today, we take a moment to remember and honor George Perry Floyd Jr., whose life was tragically cut short on May 25, 2020. Although this tribute comes to you a bit later than intended, our commitment to acknowledging his impact remains unwavering.

George Floyd's death sparked a global movement for justice, equality, and an end to systemic racism. As the Diversity Coordinator for the Monroe County Public Defender's Office, I believe it is essential to reflect on the profound changes his legacy has inspired and the continued work required to achieve true justice and equality for all.

We remember George Floyd not only for the man he was but for the societal transformation his death instigated. His legacy compels us to strive for a world where every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race or background.

Let us honor his memory by continuing to advocate for equity, justice, and the protection of civil rights. We stand in solidarity with those who fight against racial injustice and pledge to uphold these values in our community and our work.

Vincent Isaiah French ,MAT, CAS

We are thrilled to welcome our new interns to the Monroe County Public Defender's Office tomorrow!

We are ready for an exciting Summer 2024 Internship Orientation.

Check back to see how it is going!

Memorial Day: Honoring All Who Served

Today, we remember and honor the brave people who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Let's reflect on their courage and express our deepest gratitude.

N.Y. enacts ‘groundbreaking’ law to change how Asian American populations are counted.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of our AAPI community. We are committed to ensuring that our AAPI community members receive the representation and respect they deserve. Let's celebrate this month by promoting understanding, equity, and justice for all.

This past week, our very own former attorney, Danielle Ponder, now a sensational singer, wowed the crowd at the Annual Rochester, NY Lilac Festival! Members of our office showed up en force to support and cheer her on.

We're incredibly proud to see our Monroe County Public Defender's Office family shining in different arenas!

Her incredible performance was even featured on News 10 NBC.

Check out the story here:
https://www.whec.com/top-news/danielle-ponder-rochesters-own-singing-sensation-draws-huge-crowd-at-lilac-festival/

Dee Ponder

Monroe County Public Defender's Office Engages East High School Students at 9th Grade Academy Career Bloc

Today, the Monroe County Public Defender's Office had the privilege of participating in the 9th Grade Academy Career Bloc at East High School. The event provided a platform for members of the office to connect with students and staff, sharing their experiences in public defense and inspiring a group of 40 students.

The visiting team included Attorney Rachel Wade, Esq.; Investigator Maria Camacho; and Diversity Officer Vincent French, MAT, CAS. They engaged in meaningful discussions about the importance of public defense and the various roles within their office. The event aimed to spark curiosity and passion among the students for careers in law and public service.

“It was inspiring to see the students' interest in justice and equity,” said Vincent French. “We hope our visit today ignited a spark of curiosity and passion in these young scholars to consider careers in law and public service.”

The Public Defender's Office expressed gratitude to East High School for hosting the event and to all the students for their enthusiastic participation. The office looks forward to continued collaboration with the school and further opportunities to engage with young minds.

Today at Franklin High School, we had the privilege of engaging with a brilliant group of students to discuss the vital importance of understanding their rights under the 4th and 5th Amendments. Attorneys Katie Higgins, Clea Weiss, and Diversity Coordinator Vincent French from the Monroe County Public Defender's Office, led an interactive session as part of our "Know Your Rights" community initiative.

Our discussion explored the nuances of searches, seizures, and the significance of Miranda warnings, empowering students with the knowledge to navigate complex legal situations confidently.

A big thank you to the students for their thoughtful participation and to Franklin High School's amazing Staff and Administration for welcoming us!

Rochester City School District

We are honored to have attended the 2024 Teen Empowerment Annual Community Luncheon, celebrating the transformative efforts Teen Empowerment is making in the City of Rochester, NY and beyond. Witnessing the powerful impact of their initiatives reminds us that real change starts with our youth...in validating them and elevating their voice. Thank you for inspiring our COMMUNITY and for your continued dedication to empowerment and JUSTICE.

Today, the Monroe County Public Defender's Office had the wonderful opportunity to engage with the bright minds of Northeast High School's 10th grade during their Career Fair! Our team, including myself, Vincent French, Trial Assistant Pam Flemming, and Investigator Nyesha McKinney, had insightful conversations about the impactful work we do in defending and upholding justice in our community. It's inspiring to see so many young individuals interested in making a positive difference. Thank you, Northeast High School, for inviting us and for fostering such an enriching event!

Afrika Owes, a single mother and former inmate, successfully passed the New York Bar exam on her first attempt! Her journey from incarceration to earning a law degree is an incredible testament to resilience and determination. Explore her inspiring story here: https://abcnews.go.com/family/story/woman-passes-bar-exam-1st-decade-after-released/?id=109691847

We're thrilled to announce that students from Edison Career and Technology High School will be visiting the Monroe County Public Defender's Office April 24th 2024 to gain insights into the world of public defense. It's a unique opportunity for these bright minds to learn about the vital role public defenders play in our justice system. We can't wait to share our experiences, discuss our commitment to justice, and perhaps inspire some future defenders of tomorrow! Stay tuned for highlights from this enriching experience.
Rochester City School District

“Law touches everything in society. It’s essential that there be diversity in all its dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, economic status, as well as race.”

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Edison Career and Technology High School for inviting the Monroe County Public Defender's Office to participate in the Senior Exit Interviews. Events like these are crucial in fostering a community of inclusion and diversity. They provide us with the opportunity to engage with the bright young minds of Edison Tech, share our experiences, and perhaps inspire future advocates for justice. This collaboration helps us nurture the potential within our youth, ensuring a more equitable future for all. Thank you, Edison Tech, for this enriching experience!