Public Defender
Scott N. Fierro

Asst. Public Defenders
John Schwenkler
James Ferratella
Samuel D. Castellino
Elizabeth Mannion
Christopher Ferratella

Family Law Division
Emily Pawlowski

Investigator
Jim Kain

Address:
163 Lake Street
PO Box 588
Elmira, NY 14901

Phone: (607) 737-2969
Fax: (607) 737-2853

Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

The mission of the Public Defender’s office is to provide high quality legal representation to clients who are assigned by the courts in Chemung County and have demonstrated to the court an inability to pay for a private attorney.

The Public Defender represents its clients in all courts in Chemung County, from the initial appearance through final deposition. This representation includes, in appropriate cases, representation on appeal and in collateral cases pending in Family Court.

The services are provided free of charge once a court determines eligibility. In rare instances, the court may order some reimbursement based upon a person’s ability to pay. This reimbursement is substantially below what a private attorney might charge for similar services.

The Public Defender’s office usually meets with clients for the first time in court and at that first meeting, clients are given information about our offices and its procedures.