October 12,2018

Hamilton Selected as Ottawa County Public Defender

Robert C. Hamilton of Holland has been selected as the Ottawa County Public Defender. Hamilton has 30 years of experience in indigent defense counsel giving him extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. He also comes with leadership qualities that will serve Ottawa County and facilitate this transition well. Hamilton, who is currently an attorney with the law firm Hann Persinger PC, is a graduate of Michigan State University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Robert Hamilton will lead the newly created Ottawa County Public Defender Office with locations planned in Holland (12185 James Street) and Grand Haven (1111 Fulton Avenue). The office is a new mandate from the state, in the making since Public Act 93 of 2013 was approved. The act put forth new standards for the public defense delivery system. Ottawa County evaluated its options for complying and in June of 2018, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, the board overseeing the implementation of PA 93 across the state, approved the plan for the office. The Ottawa County Public Defender Office will provide:

• parity in resources between defense counsel and prosecuting attorney
• the ability to control caseloads
• more continuity and longevity in experience and 
• the maximization of state funding.

"We are excited to welcome Bob Hamilton as the first Ottawa County Public Defender. Bob has a long track record of excellence as an attorney and has many contacts and resources that will be invaluable as he leads the creation and implementation of the new Public Defenders Office," said Al Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator.

"For over 50 years, Ottawa County public defenders have provided exceptional indigent defense services to those individuals unable to afford an attorney. I look forward to continuing their example of dedicated service into the future by utilizing the resources made available by this new plan. I thank Ottawa County for this opportunity,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton will begin his duties in early November after state funding is received, where he will initiate Public Defender Office set-up and find top talent to complete the staff. A total of 19.7 full-time equivalent employees are planned to be hired to handle the caseload, including Hamilton. Staffing levels were determined using historical Ottawa County caseload statistics and national caseload recommendations. 

Funding for the Public Defender Office will come from both the state and the county, at $1,944,219 and $923,087 respectively. The latter number represents what Ottawa County currently pays in indigent defense costs.

Robert C. Hamilton

Media Contacts:

Al Vanderberg | Ottawa County Administrator | 616-738-4068 | avanderberg@miOttawa.org

Bob Hamilton | 616-886-7580 | bhamilton@hannpersinger.com