19th Judicial Circuit
Office of the Public Defender
15 Years of Accomplishments
Ms. Litty has helped write the legislation to assist the Courts in levying and collecting Public Defender fees. Our office has collected over $4,000,000 since Ms. Litty was elected. This money is returned to the counties in her circuit and the state to help defray the costs of the Criminal Justice System.
Received the Davis Productivity Award
One of the most prestigious awards to be earned by a Public Official, our office has received this awards three times in the past fifteen years.
Initiated the Investigator Intern Program
This program has been adopted by Indian River Community College as a college credit class. The program utilizes volunteers to help with client interviews and investigations. The Program has received, along with the Davis Productivity Award, the JC Penney Golden Rule Award.
Created and developed Client Services Program
Developed this program to assist misdemeanor & juvenile clients identified with mental illness or retardation with individualized rehabilitation plans for sentencing.
Created & developed the Offender Re-entry Program
The program is a collaborative effort between the Public Defender’s Office and local law enforcement to help reduce recidivism by assisting clients with jobs and skills in preparation for their release from county jail.
Mental Health Court
Initiated this specialized court to help clients charged with minor offenses who are identified with mental health illness.
Volunteer Intern Unit
This program utilizes volunteers in all facets of the Public Defender’s Office and helps prepare young people for the workplace. It also utilizes our retired resources, again saving state and local taxpayer dollars.