Chemung County Public Defender

Terrible experience. Marissa was my public defender, and she was not effective or aligned with the safety and best interests of my child. Despite being provided substantial evidence of abuse, she continued to push for a 50/50 custody arrangement and advocated for the father to have rights, completely disregarding the facts presented. Family law is not about checking boxes or defaulting to shared custody when safety is a concern. It is about protecting the welfare and well-being of the child. I did not feel heard, supported, or properly represented. My child’s safety felt like it was being treated as negotiable, which was deeply concerning. I quickly hired a private attorney to take over my case. I would not recommend her to anyone who needs strong, child-focused advocacy.

I showed up for my scheduled appointment. My attny wasn't there. He looks like he should be in an Archie and Jug Head comic book. No one called me to say they needed to change my appointment

I should not rate the public defender based on Whitney Paul just one attorney. It’s like burning down an orchard because of a bad apple but I’m open minded they will move forward. Hopefully they just read the reviews and feel motivated to change the status quo.

ANYONE but these guys. Chris Quinlan will actively work against you when assigned to your case. He will ignore you for months until the day before the court date, and IF you are lucky enough to talk to him prior to court he will not listen to anything you have to say and fear monger you into believe things that aren’t true. Since attempting to switch lawyers in the same office I have yet to hear from them at all. Also if you are a woman, you guaranteed will be met with misogyny when you speak. ANYONE but these guys. I can’t believe they are allowed to peeve the public.

These people work against you and are very stuck up. They think they are better than others. John Brennan and even the secretary's