Office of Public Defender Responsibilities and Duties The Office of Public Defender directs the provision of legal defense to adult and juvenile individuals charged with crimes or otherwise subject to the Court of Common Pleas. The Public Defenders are responsible for furnishing legal counsel, in the following types of cases, to any person who, for lack of sufficient funds, is unable to obtain legal counsel: Where a person is charged with juvenile delinquency Critical pretrial identification procedures Preliminary hearings State habeas corpus proceedings State trials, including pretrial and post-trial motions Superior Court appeals Pennsylvania Supreme Court appeals Post-conviction hearings, including proceedings at the trial and appellate levels Criminal extradition proceedings Production and parole proceedings and revocation thereof In any other situations where representation is constitutionally required Chief Public Defender Michael F. Corriere, Esquire - 610-559-3040 The Chief Public Defender directs an organization of attorney, investigator, and clerical positions. Work includes the responsibility for the development and control of budgetary, personnel, procurement and related administrative management functions. The Chief Public Defender specializes in defense law and is responsible for the direction of other legal personnel. The Chief Public Defender reports directly to an elected executive official. First Assistant Public Defender Anthony J. Martino, Esquire - 610-559-3040 The First Assistant Public Defender assists the Chief Public Defender and Deputy Assistant Public Defender for Administration in the performance of their duties including the direction of an organization of attorney, investigator, and clerical positions. The First Assistant Public Defender specializes in defense law and is responsible for the direction of other legal personnel. The first Assistant Public Defender reports directly to the Chief Public Defender. Deputy Assistant Public Defender For Administration James M. Connell, Esquire - 610-559-3040 The Deputy Assistant Public Defender for Administration assists the Chief  Public Defender and First Assistant Public Defender in the performance of their duties including the direction of an organization of attorney, investigator, and clerical positions. The Deputy Assistant Public Defender for Administration specializes in defense law and is responsible for the direction of other legal personnel. The Deputy Assistant Public Defender for Administration reports directly to the Chief Public Defender.