Butler County: Public Defenders

The Butler County Public Defenders Office represents indigent clients who qualify for their services. The Public Defenders Office represents the vast majority of criminal clients prosecuted in Butler County. The Public Defenders represent clients at every step of the criminal trial from the District Magistrates to the Appellate Courts.

Attorneys:

Kevin J. Flaherty, Chief Public Defender
{Image of Kevin J. Flaherty, the Butler County Chief Public Defender}	Mr. Flaherty was named Chief Public Defender in February 2007. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Degree in Education and Secondary Education, Mr. Flaherty graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 1988. Prior to being named Chief Public Defender, Mr. Flaherty had served the residents of the County as the Administrator and First Assistant in the Public Defenders Office. He also has served as a Public Defender and Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County. Mr. Flaherty also served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Lawrence J. O'Toole and as the past President of the Penn Hills School Board.
Charles M. Nedz, Assistant Public Defender
{Image of Charles M. Nedz, one of the Butler County Assistant Public Defenders}	Mr. Nedz has served as an Assistant Public Defender since March 2000. A graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in 1988, Mr. Nedz graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1992 where he was a member of the International Law Moot Court Team. Prior to joining the Public Defenders Office, Mr. Nedz worked in private practice, focusing on Family Law and Criminal Defense. Mr. Nedz is active in the community, serving as a coach for local T-Ball, Soccer and Basketball teams.
Rebecca Jo Lozzi, Assistant Public Defender
{Image of Rebecca Jo Lozzi, one of the Butler County Assistant Public Defenders}	Ms. Lozzi has served as an Assistant Public Defender since 2004. A graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1995, Ms. Lozzi gradated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1998. After graduating, Ms. Lozzi worked in private practice from 1998 until 2004. She also served as a guardian-ad-litem from 2001 to 2004. Ms. Lozzi is a member of the Y.W.C.A Board of directors. Originally from Rochester, New York, Ms. Lozzi enjoys skiing and horseback riding.
Ryan C. Helsel, Assistant Public Defender
{Image of Ryan C. Helsel, one of the Butler County Assistant Public Defenders}	Mr. Helsel has served as an Assistant Public Defender since 2004. As a holder of an Associates Degree from Butler County Community College, Mr. Helsel graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. Mr. Helsel then graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in 2003. Prior to joining the Public Defenders Office, Mr. Helsel worked in private practice. He is also admitted to the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Helsel is a lifelong resident of Butler County.
Administrative Staff:

{Image of Ryan C. Helsel, one of the Butler County Assistant Public Defenders}
Cathi Bowser, Missy Defoggi and Erin J. Fleeger