Legal Aid Society

The lady that "helps" on the phone really needs some costumer service skills. If you don't like what you do, do something else. I wish we could transcript the call to show here but, I tried to be as polite as possible but she just really doesn't have the "people" touch or skills. Even though the call lasted 30 seconds, I could NEVER be able to recommend this to ANYONE seeking true HELP.

Absolutely appalling experience with this Public Defender's Office. This office is, by far, the most unprofessional and downright dismissive institution I’ve ever encountered. I understand that this review is lengthy, but please bear with me—this needs to be said. My boyfriend, who is currently unemployed and without any income, has been desperately trying to obtain legal representation through the Orange County Public Defender’s Office. Because he cannot afford private counsel, we expected this office to do what it’s supposed to: help people in need. Instead, we were met with arrogance, incompetence, and blatant disregard for due process. From the very first phone call, the receptionist was astonishingly rude. After my boyfriend explained his financial situation—off the top of his head—she immediately cut him off and said he “makes too much money” to qualify. No documentation was reviewed. No application processed. No questions asked. Just a flat-out rejection based on nothing but a random number he gave her in conversation. For comparison: Dutchess County had no problem reviewing his actual financial documents and confirming that he did qualify for a public defender. Orange County, however, insisted otherwise without any factual basis or verification. And every time we tried to follow up, we were stonewalled with the same vague answer: “He doesn’t qualify.” No explanation. No guidance. Just dismissal. Fast forward to now—April 2025—and we have been in front of the judge about five times. Each time, we’ve explained that the Public Defender’s Office refuses to provide representation. The judge continues to push the case forward, knowing full well that my boyfriend is going in without an attorney. It feels like he’s being set up to fail. To make matters worse, when he finally got in touch with the supervisor, Andrew Greer, we were shocked to find that he was just as rude and unhelpful as the secretary. Even after submitting documentation proving his financial hardship, Mr. Greer claimed he didn’t believe my boyfriend and demanded even more information—without saying what was needed. During an in-person visit, he not only refused to help, but he actually told my boyfriend and his mother that my boyfriend owed him an apology (for what exactly, we still don't know) and threatened to walk him over to the judge to get him arrested. Then came the lie: Mr. Greer accused my boyfriend of telling the judge that he (Greer) had missed a court appearance—a claim my boyfriend never made. Basically, Mr Greer was supposed to meet my BF at his last court appearance to "go over his finances and romrell the judge that he is not representing him at this time." Long story short, my boyfriend was not able to make it to court that day at all, nor did he tell the judge anything along those lines Thankfully, he was able to call the court clerk and have them confirm that he never said that, completely exposing Mr. Greer’s falsehood. And finally, the most disgusting part: Mr. Greer told my boyfriend that the only way he would receive public representation was if he were already in jail. What kind of broken system is this? A person has to be incarcerated just to get legal help? This office is a disgrace to the justice system. The people working here treat vulnerable individuals with contempt, lie to cover their mistakes, and put lives at risk by refusing to do their jobs. If this office won’t help the people it was built to serve, it needs to be shut down and rebuilt from the ground up—with people who actually care about justice and human rights.

I had several representation from Legal Aid Society, never did I had a negative experience with them. Sometimes we need to check us before we past judgement onto others, cuz every time you point a finger at someone theres 3 coming back to you. today as I was reading the reviews for this Legal Aid Society, and I don't find the negative reviews to be helpful at all. I had a very positive experience when dealing with everyone there. Yes there are a lot of people that need help that go to this place. So maybe the secretaries are abrupt and quick to transfer you to the attorneys voicemail. Christopher Pezzullo, my attorney was very helpful there was a little communication, but it wasn't necessary. He handled my case completely professionally. He talked to me when I needed to hear from him. People have to remember they are not the only one in a long list of others in need of these lawyers assistance. I am sure the staff is overwhelmed and doing the best that they can. Those that can't understand this are just selfish and ignorant. You are not the only person with an issue that needs to be dealt with in court. Maybe give that some consideration next time you're writing a negative review, remember treat people the way you want to be treated. Sincerely Roberto Sanchez

I was reading the reviews for this Legal Aid Society, and I don't find the negative reviews to be helpful at all. I had a very positive experience when dealing with everyone there. Yes there are a lot of people that need help that go to this place. So maybe the secretaries are abrupt and quick to transfer you to the attorneys voicemail. Kate Bellingham, my attorney was very helpful there was a little communication, but it wasn't necessary. She handled my case completely professionally. She talked to me when I needed to hear from her. People have to remember they are not the only one in a long list of others in need of these lawyers assistance. I am sure the staff is overwhelmed and doing the best that they can. Those that can't understand this are just selfish and ignorant. You are not the only person with an issue that needs to be dealt with in court. Maybe give that some consideration next time you're writing a negative review. Sincerely Jim storms

I had a court case in New Windsor and I called these people when I got on the phone with them. They were the rudest people I've ever dealt with in my entire life and they wanted to know the income of my boyfriend and if I didn't give that information they wouldn't represent me. Not only did I speak to two or three people which all them. One had one worse attitude than the other but they hung up the phone on me. They didn't care about nothing but how much money my boyfriend made and these are the people that are supposed to represent you if you can. Stay far far far far away from these people at any cost