Public Safety committee unanimously approves new public defender

January 12, 2024
5:38 am

Margaret Walker is Serino’s nomination for Public Defender

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Legislature’s Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Margaret Walker to serve as the county’s next public defender.

The approval vote on Thursday night paves the way for Walker to be confirmed by the full legislature at its January 16 meeting.

Walker, with substantial experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, was nominated by Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino earlier this month and was present for the vote on Thursday night.

Walker is slated to replace longtime Dutchess County Public Defender Tom Angell, who retired in December, after 34 years with the county and the leader of the office for the last 12.

When Serino nominated Walker for the position, the county executive said, “Margaret’s breadth of education, experience, and passion to serve others make her the ideal person to serve as our next public defender.” Serino said, “In addition to her well-deserved reputation as a capable leader and legal mind, she brings her education and prior work experience in community and counseling psychology, which is critically important in helping to meet client needs and assist them in rebuilding productive lives. Our community will be well-served with Margaret Walker as our public defender.”

After receiving approval from the 11 present members of the public safety committee, all lawmakers in the room stood to applaud Walker, a Wappingers Falls resident who was seated in the gallery.