Public Defender

The Noble County Public Defenders’ Agency is an independently operated governmental agency providing representation in criminal, juvenile and child in need of services cases.  The agency is directed by a three member board who are Noble county residents and who can neither be elected or public officials nor have any association with law enforcement.  The Board, assisted by the Chief Public Defender, sets office and operational procedures.  Distinguished Noble county attorney John C. Thrapp has been chairman and president of the agency since its creation until his death in 2010. Mr. Dennis Graft now serves as chairman and president of the agency. James J. Abbs has served as Chief Public Defender since 2002.

Presently, the Noble County Public Defenders’ Agency employs six attorneys and two support staff individuals.  There are two full time Public Defenders and four attorneys who carry a three quarter caseload. The six attorneys have over 100 years of legal experience and all of the attorneys are experienced trial practitioners.  Supporting these attorneys is a full time office administrator and a part time secretary.  Presently, the Noble County Public Defenders’ Agency is housed in a building located at 110 E. Jefferson Street, Albion, Indiana.  The building consists of 3 offices, a conference room with video conferencing and two work stations for staff members.

The Public Defenders’ Agency handles approximately 70% of all major felony cases filed in Noble County and 45% of all juvenile cases.  The agency also handles approximately 40 to 50 percent of all criminal and juvenile cases filed in Noble County.  Since the agency was formally formed in 2000 and has gone full time, it has saved the county approximately 1.5 Million Dollars.