County Court Division - Misdemeanor Court

John Marcus serves as Chief Assistant Public Defender for the County Court Division within the Law Office of the Public Defender. Mr. Marcus graduated cum laude with  a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of West Florida in 2010, and went on to attend Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2013. Mr. Marcus first started in the Law Office of the Public Defender as a Certified Legal Intern during law school and joined the office as an attorney after graduating. Mr. Marcus practiced in many different divisions including the Misdemeanor, Domestic Violence, Juvenile and Felony Trial Units. His extensive experiences as a lead attorney and felony trainer allow Mr. Marcus to guide and support the misdemeanor attorneys as they master trial skills and techniques.

The Public Defender’s office represents adult individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses. Misdemeanors are crimes carrying a maximum punishment of one year in jail. These offenses include driving under the influence, resisting without violence, trespassing, driving on suspended license and battery. Some misdemeanor cases result in jury trials. However, there are several diversion opportunities available to qualified individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses. The diversion programs include: the Misdemeanor Diversion Program, the Domestic Violence Diversion Program and the Driving While License Suspended Program.