St. Lawrence County Public Defender's Office
48 Court Street
Corner Building
Canton, New York 13617

Ph: 315-379-2115
Fx: 315-386-8241

Public Defender: 
Stephen D. Button

Assistant Public Defenders:
Steven G. Ballan-Criminal Law
Robert H. Ballan-Family Law
Alison B. Appleby-Criminal Law
James Farrell-Family Law; Criminal Law
Mark Williams-Family Law; Criminal Law

Office Staff:
Legal Secretary:  Kristen Best
Keyboard Specialist:  Patricia Frederick
Keyboard Specialist:  Krista Balster

St. Lawrence County

Public Defender's Office

The Public Defender’s Office defends indigent persons charged with violations of law that could result in incarceration upon conviction and provides representation to indigent parties in Family Court matters.

Eligibility:  In order to qualify for services, clients must fill out a financial affidavit and return it to the Indigent Defense Office located in the Board of Legislature’s building: 48 Court Street Canton, New York.

After the application is reviewed by the Indigent Defense Office, a recommendation is made to the court regarding whether an attorney should be assigned or denied.  The judge ultimately determines whether or not to assign an attorney.

Assigned Attorney:  If a client it determined to be eligible for an assigned attorney the Indigent Defense Office will notify the client if s/he will be represented by the Public Defender’s Office, the Conflict Defender’s Office or an attorney on the assigned counsel list.

Fees for Services:  The Public Defender’s services are free to indigent clients unless a judge orders repayment to St. Lawrence County by the client or his/her parents.

Attorneys:  Attorneys are highly skilled and dedicated.  They are prepared to proceed to trial with their clients’ cases.  In situations where a trial is ill-advised, they work hard to achieve the best plea bargain for their clients.  In many cases, they help clients address the underlying cause that brought them to the point of arrest by recommending drug/alcohol treatment programs, mental health programs and alternatives to incarceration.

Support Staff:  The support staff of the Public Defender’s Office assists the attorneys in preparation of the client’s case for court.  They also assist the client to ensure they are informed of the progress of the case and its status. They may answer questions the client may have but, cannot give legal advice.

Change of Address/Phone:  Clients’ that have a change of address or phone number please email Patty at pfrederick@co.st-lawrence.ny.us or call Patty at 379-2115.