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Buffalo County Public Defender

Public Defender Info

Office Duties

  • Represent all indigent, Defendants charged with felonies and misdemeanors, if penalty for crime carries possible jail time.
  • Court determines if Defendant can financially hire his own attorney or is indigent. If indigent the Court appoints. The Public Defender's office may not represent as Public Defender prior to Court appointment.
  • Represent all Persons brought before the Mental Health Board as dangerous to self or others.
  • Represent Fugitives from Justice and/or Extradition Defendant's if appointed by the Court.

Jeff Wirth

Public Defender

215 West 18th St
Kearney, NE 68845
308.236.1245
308.236.1255
215 West 18th St
Kearney, NE

Public Defender Overview

  • Elected Position in Buffalo County: 4 year term
  • Salary: set by Buffalo County Board of Commissioners
  • Deputies: appointed as needed by elected Public Defender subject to approval of County Board
  • Full Time Position: determined by statutes in larger counties; by County Board in Buffalo County
  • Fees: may not accept any compensation for representing Public Defender Clients except for salary plus cost reimbursement from County
  • Qualifications: must be licensed to practice law in Nebraska
  • Budget: elected official must submit an annual budget to be approved by the County Board

Public Defender Staff

Buffalo County Public Defender: Jeff Wirth

Buffalo County Public Defender Chief Deputy: Brandon Brinegar

Deputies:

  • Sharon Joseph
  • Michelle M. Mitchell
  • Delaney Behrendt
  • Corey Burns