Chad D. Catalino of Grand Haven has been named Van Buren and Allegan Counties’ Public Defender.
Catalino brings 16 years experience in public defense, giving him extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. He earned an undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University and a juris doctorate degree from Michigan State University. He previously served as division director for the Muskegon County Public Defender’s Office.
Catalino will lead the newly created Allegan/Van Buren Counties’ Public Defender Office with locations in Allegan and Paw Paw. The office is a new mandate from the state, developed since Public Act 93 of 2013 was approved. The act sets new standards for providing public defenders. The two counties evaluated options for complying. In January 2018, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, the agency overseeing the implementation of PA 93 across the state, approved the plan for the office.
“We are excited to welcome Chad Catalino as the first County Public Defender for our counties,” shared Robert Sarro, Allegan County Administrator and John Faul, Van Buren County Administrator in their presentations to their respective Boards of Commissioners. “He has a long track record of excellence as an attorney and has valuable leadership qualities and experience. Chad demonstrates a passion to serve his clients and has a great vision to lead the office to a holistic approach to public defense.”
Catalino said, “I am extremely honored and humbled that the people of Van Buren and Allegan Counties, through their respective representatives, have allowed me this opportunity to lead the newly formed Public Defender’s Office; and I will work tirelessly to protect the rights of our citizens while setting our office out as the example across Michigan for the ethical, innovative, collaborative and holistic representation of all people.”
Catalino will begin his duties in early April, when he will initiate the Public Defender Office setup and recruit skilled talent to complete the office. Eight employees will be hired to handle the caseload, including Catalino. Catalino also will call on the current roster of contracted attorneys. Staffing levels were determined using caseload trends and projections for the Counties.
Funding for the Public Defender Office is shared by the state and the counties, at $2,217,515 and $529,260, respectively, for the first year.
