GREENE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S of the PAST
1976 - present
Overview — The Public Defender was established to provide constitutionally required representation of indigent criminal defendants. In juvenile court, the public defender's office represents minors accused of being delinquent.
First established in 1976 in Greene County, the public defender position is appointed by the County Commissioners. The public defender's mission is to provide legal representation to indigent defendants in Pennsylvania by safeguarding fundamental individual rights and ensuring access to the guaranteed protections afforded by the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
In more recent years, it has been necessary to also retain an Assistant Public Defender to assist with the case load. Following is a listing of past to present appointed public defenders and assistant public defenders:
Public Defender's
John Stets (1976—1988)
Lou Dayich (1988—1991)
Elizabeth Haque (1991)
John Hardisty (1992—1996)
Harry J. Cancelmi, Jr. (1996—present)
Assistant Public Defenders:
Leslie L. Ridge (2007—May 2011)
Rose Semple (August 2011—present)
For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
