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Resident asks whether alternate public defender has criminal-law experience; borough attorney responds
Summary
At the Jan. 27 Hasbrouck Heights meeting a resident asked whether alternate public defender Chris Garvin was qualified because Garvin practices real estate law; Borough Attorney Mark DiPisa said Garvin has practiced for many years and noted the alternate role is used sparingly.
Hasbrouck Heights — During public comment at the Jan. 27 Mayor and Council meeting a resident from the Boulevard questioned the qualifications of the borough's alternate public defender, Chris Garvin, noting that Garvin practices real estate law while the borough's main public defender, Curt Geisler, is a criminal attorney.
Borough Attorney Mark DiPisa responded: "Mr. Garvin has been practicing law for a good number of years and is indeed qualified to represent the borough in the capacity that he has been appointed. In general, attorneys are allowed to practice other types of law other than their 'specialty' except for those that require a separate bar exam to be licensed." He added that the alternate public defender position is used sparingly.
The resident noted that the alternate had served on occasion in the past in the absence of the late Thomas Mason. No further public comment or formal review of the appointment was requested at the meeting, and the public session was closed.
