Terms Used In N.Y. County Law 722-D

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Public defender: Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.

Whenever it appears that the defendant is financially able to obtain counsel or to make partial payment for the representation or other services, counsel may report this fact to the court and the court may terminate the assignment of counsel or authorize payment, as the interests of justice may dictate, to the public defender, private legal aid bureau or society, private attorney, or otherwise.