Staff
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Criminal Defense Section
Gary A. Horton, Public Defender
Jerry M. Ader, Senior Assistant Public Defender
Ann E. Connor, Assistant Public Defender
The attorneys in the Criminal Defense Section represent individuals who cannot afford to hire counsel who are charged with Felony, Misdemeanor and Violation level offenses in all of the criminal courts of the county (Genesee County Court, Batavia City Court, Town Courts and Village Courts).
Family Court Section
Kelly J. Donohue, Assistant Public Defender
Lisa M. Bruce , Assistant Public Defender
The attorneys in the Family Court Section provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, and who are parties in proceedings before the Family Court of this County dealing with issues of custody of children or the loss of liberty, such as custody, abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights and family offense proceedings. The Family Court Section also provides representation to juveniles petitioned to the Family Court as Juvenile Delinquents or Persons in Need of Supervision.
Criminal Appeals Section
Bridget L. Field, Assistant Public Defender
Melissa L. Cianfrini, Assistant Public Defender
Attorneys Bridget Field and Melissa Cianfrini represent clients with regard to appeals from criminal convictions. These clients were either represented at the trial level by the Public Defenders Office or other retained or assigned attorneys.
Support Staff
Sharon L. Burkel, Confidential Secretary
Marie Williams, Clerk Typist
David D'Amico, Clerk Typist
Cheryl Kolb, Clerk Typist
The clerical support staff of the Public Defenders Office carries out a number of functions, including but not limited to, Financial Eligibility intake interviews, file and case information management as well as more traditional clerical functions. As such, they are often the first contact with the client and remain an important line of communication for the client throughout their representation.
Betty S. Raponi, Case Manager
Bryce B. Kaiser, Case Manager
Betty Raponi and Bryce Kaiser conduct intake interviews at the Genesee County Jail, and assess collateral client problems and needs such as substance abuse, physical or mental health needs, housing problems, etc., make appropriate referrals to other agencies and follow the clients' progress.
