Welcome to the Public Defender's Office
The Public Defender's Office is charged with the responsibility to represent individuals who are charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney. Services of the office are paid for by the taxpayers of Monroe County, and eligibility for representation is based upon the gross income level of the applicant, applying the Federal Poverty Guidelines, similar to the application process for other public service programs.
It does not, however, represent individuals charged with Federal offenses, only crimes against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Contact Information
Office Location
701 Main Street
3rd Floor/Suite 301
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Phone: (570) 517-3042 Fax: (570) 517-3871
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Monday-Friday Closed all major holidays
Chief Appellate/Motions Writer
Eric Closs, Esq.
Paralegal
Dina Welliver Schneck
Investigators
John P. Kowalczyk
Don Motts
Our Services
At the time of the preliminary hearing, your case will be placed in one of three tracks: (1) ARD if it appears you may qualify; (2) Guilty Plea if you agree to the proposed resolution of your case at this point; or (3) Status Conference if no resolution is reached at that time.
Unless dismissed at your preliminary hearing, the charges against you are now going into the Monroe County Court of Commons Pleas.
ARD Special Aspects in Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Cases.
ARD stands for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. It is a program for first time offenders charged with relatively minor crimes.
The sentencing guidelines list a range of the minimum number of months in jail or prison a defendant should normally receive.