Assigned Counsel Office
The Assigned Counsel’s office ensures justice for clients who cannot afford to retain an attorney in criminal defense or family law matters. The Office administers the assignment of private attorneys to clients when a conflict exists with the Public Defender’s Office and/or the Conflict Defender’s Office. Eligibility for an Assigned Counsel is based upon Federal Poverty Guidelines with some court discretion. Attorneys wishing to be included on the Assigned Counsel panel should contact the office for application instructions and documents.
Assigned Counsel Documents
Application for Placement on 18-B Assigned Counsel List
- Submit an application to Martin Finn by email.
Schenectady County Invoice Voucher
- Check your math (2 times) on your voucher-math mistakes are the biggest reason for rejection
- Include the client name, Judge, date assigned, and disposition on the form
- List in-court and out-of-court hours
- In criminal matters, indicate if it is a felony or misdemeanor matter.
Services Rendered and Expenses of Counsel Form
- Client name should match voucher, above
- Indicate disposition of matter
- Complete Part 2
- Total fee must match voucher
Schenectady County Indigent Defense Program Client Eligibility Form or Affidavit
- Be sure to include with submission.
- If not available, include an attorney affidavit explaining why it is not available and indicating that to the best of your knowledge and the information available to you that the client does financially qualify for representation.