Public Defender

Verified

Criminal Defense Lawyer

2.9(13 Google reviews)

117 Strongs Ave, Rutland, VT 05701, United States

Information last updated October 15, 2026

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense Family Law

About Public Defender

The Office of the Defender General is an official Vermont government entity established in 1972 by the Vermont Legislature through the Public Defender Act. Its overarching duty is to ensure that individuals entitled to appointed counsel receive effective legal advocacy, delivered with diligence, promptness, and a zealous commitment to their interests. The Office also aims to provide representation in a cost-efficient manner, serving both clients and the citizens of Vermont.

The Office of the Defender General provides constitutionally and statutorily required counsel to needy persons charged with serious crimes. Its services extend to children involved in juvenile proceedings, including alleged delinquents, those in need of care and supervision (CHINS), and children in the custody of the Department for Children and Families. The Office also represents persons in the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections, and individuals facing extradition or probation and parole revocation proceedings.

Operating through a complex service delivery system, the Office includes Public Defense and Assigned Counsel programs. This system comprises a Central Office in Montpelier, seven county staff offices, and seven public defense contract offices. When conflicts arise, cases are assigned to private attorneys who contract with the Defender General, or to ad hoc counsel appointed by the court. Specialized units include the Appellate Defender, Prisoners' Rights Office, Juvenile Defender's Office, and seven Serious Felony Units for major felonies. The Office has approximately 40 staff attorneys and manages over 100 contractors, handling around 20,000 cases each year.

From the firm’s website

Attorneys: James Gratton — Supervising Attorney
Frederick Bragdon — Supervising Attorney
Kate Lamson — Co-Supervising Attorney
Zanna Bliss — Staff Attorney
Jeff Rubin — Staff Attorney
Josh O'Hara — Supervising Attorney
David Dickinson — Staff Attorney
Catherine Hayes — Staff Attorney
Austin Howard — Staff Attorney
Margaret Jansch — Staff Attorney
Stacie Johnson — Supervising Attorney
William Kidney — Staff Attorney
Services listed: Serious Crimes, Juvenile Proceedings, Children in Need of Care and Supervision (CHINS), Children in the Custody of the Commissioner of the Department for Children and F, Persons in the Custody of the Commissioner of Corrections, Extradition, Probation or Parole Revocation Proceedings, Appeals to the Supreme Court, Prisoners' Rights, Delinquency, Termination of Parental Rights, Major Felonies
Founded: 1972
Fees: The Office provides constitutionally required representation to needy persons, and payment for ad hoc counsel is set by Vermont Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 4.
Offices: 6 Baldwin Street, 4th Floor Montpelier, VT 05633-3301

Source: defgen.vermont.gov · checked October 15, 2026. Lawyers Near Me hasn’t independently verified these details.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 7:45 am–4:30 pm
Tuesday: 7:45 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday: 7:45 am–4:30 pm
Thursday: 7:45 am–4:30 pm
Friday: 7:45 am–4:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Details & Amenities

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car parkWheelchair-accessible toilet

Public Defender — Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Public Defender located?+

Public Defender is located at 117 Strongs Ave, Rutland, VT 05701, United States. Use the "Get Directions" link on this page to navigate there.

What kind of cases does Public Defender handle?+

Public Defender handles Criminal Defense, Family Law. Confirm that they cover your specific legal matter during your first consultation.

How do I contact Public Defender?+

Call Public Defender at +1 802-786-5823 or visit their website. Many firms offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.

Is Public Defender well rated?+

Public Defender has a 2.9-star rating based on 13 Google reviews. Ratings are sourced from Google and shown for reference.

Client Reviews

5 reviews

Matthew Valerio· via Google
Great people. Very talented. Care deeply about their work.
8 years ago
Zena Warrior· via Google
Love my attorney! So helpful and very informative when need be.
7 years ago
Eric Hanson· via Google
They are very good and it's a blessing that they do that for people.
3 years ago
Bonnie Phillips· via Google
We went last nite to get the bee freely drink sat in line for over 20 mins to be told there machines are down I'd rate a 0 if you had a 0 button.
6 years ago
Missy J· via Google
Made an appt. Drove a half hr to the office & my husbands court appointed attorney Anthony stood him up. Receptionist/assistant said she'd made a mistake. She called (I've no missed calls) she Apologized. This is not a very good impression.
a year ago

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