Office of the Mercer County Public Defender

03/21/2026

Who's Clarence Earl Gideon? 🤔 He's recognized every March 18 on Gideon's Day for his part in a landmark Supreme Court case.

➡️ The 1963 decision would ensure the Sixth Amendment right to legal representation is extended to all people accused of a crime, regardless of their ability to pay for a lawyer.

⏯️ Watch this 3-minute rundown of the "Gideon vs. Wainwright" decision ➡️ https://bit.ly/3PcS5ln

🍰 Our Washington County public defenders highlighted this important day as part of National Public Defense Week!

01/25/2026

The Office of the Mercer County Public Defender will be closed Jan. 26, 2026, because of the snow emergency.

01/15/2026

The real question is: Were the pigs afforded the benefit of a public defender?

Animal trials helped to restore order when the unspeakable happened.

01/14/2026

The Mercer County Public Defender Commission will hold its quarterly meeting at 3 p.m. Jan. 15, 2026, at 220 W. Livingston St., Suite A236, Celina, Ohio.

01/08/2026

Know your rights.

01/02/2026

Liberty is not preserved by efficient institutions alone, but by the active participation of citizens in the administration of criminal justice dispensed in their names.

On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, citizen jurors remind us why they are the ultimate check against oppressive goverment.

12/25/2025

As we enter tax season, remember to report your illegal income as “Other income” on Schedule 1 (or Schedule C if ongoing) without describing the activity. Necessary expenses may be deductible. No deductions for bribes, kickbacks, or illegal payments. Drug trafficking businesses cannot deduct expenses (except cost of goods sold).

12/25/2025

Spectrum with Mercer County Public Defender Thomas Lucente. Click to Listen:
https://bit.ly/3fp4UF9

12/05/2025

CELINA - After about 45 minutes of deliberation and a one-day trial, a 12-person jury found a 47-year-old Sidney man not guilty this week of trying to cause serious physical harm to his 4-month-old ...

12/05/2025

UPDATE: ADAM L. ROBBINS INDICTED ON 20 FELONY COUNTS; PLEADS NOT GUILTY

ADAM L. ROBBINS, WHO WAS INITIALLY ARRESTED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2025, ON A FOURTH-DEGREE FELONY CHARGE OF UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONDUCT WITH A MINOR, HAS BEEN FORMALLY INDICTED ON A TOTAL OF 20 FELONY COUNTS.

12/01/2025

After a one-day felony trial in Common Pleas Court, we won a not guilty verdict on all counts for our client. Justice prevails.