Board Meetings Scheduled for 2025:

Monday,  February 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Monday, May 5, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Monday, August 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Monday, November 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Minutes from previous board meetings are under Topics of Interest

Department Overview

  • Court Appointed to Represent Indigent Clients
  • Provide Legal Representation to Indigent Persons at Public Expense in Criminal Cases and Juvenile Matters

Office Staff

  • Mark S. Olivero - Chief Public Defender
  • Kevin L. Likes - Chief Deputy Public Defender
  • Jacob VanderHorst - Deputy Public Defender
  • Stephanie A. Hamilton - Deputy Public Defender
  • Cory R. Swagger - Deputy Public Defender
  • Benjamin E. Nordmann - Deputy Public Defender
  • John R. Watkins - Deputy Public Defender
  • Caylen McPherson - Deputy Public Defender
  • Peter Watkins - Deputy Public Defender

DeKalb County Public Defender Board Members

  • Ron Dicke, Chairman, Appointed by Board of Judges, Current 3 year Term expires 12/31/26
  • Joe Dunn, Appointed by Public Defender Commission, Current 3 year term expires 12/13/25
  • Kent Likes, Appointed by County Commissioners, Current 3 year term expires 12/31/27
  • Mark Olivero, Chief Public Defender, Current 4 year term expires 12/31/27