Public Defender Commission
The Lake County Public Defender Commission is charged with appointing the Public Defender and determining the qualifications and size of staff and other requirements needed to maintain and operate the office. Of the five commission members, two are appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Lake County Common Pleas Courts and three are appointed by the Lake County Commissioners. At least one member appointed by each appointing body is required to be an attorney authorized to practice law in Ohio. Commission members serve four-year terms.
Commission meetings are held quarterly, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 120.13(D). Commission meetings are open to the public and are held at the Public Defender Office located at 100 W. Erie Street, Painesville.
Quarterly meeting dates are based upon the availability of Commission members and will be posted on this website as soon as the dates and times of the meetings are determined.
Members
Sandra Dray, Chairperson
Reverend Stephen Vellenga
Matthew Bangerter
Mark Gardner
Elaine Waytes