Our Team

Jessica Yeary

Meet Jessica

Jessica J. Yeary is the Public Defender for Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit – encompassing Jefferson, Leon, Gadsden, Franklin, Wakulla, and Liberty Counties. First elected to a four-year term in 2020, Attorney Yeary serves all individuals accused of a crime who cannot otherwise afford private counsel. A veteran litigator with over a decade of experience in the courtroom, Mrs. Yeary has argued some of the most high-profile cases in the circuit and provided quality criminal defense to everyone in need of representation. She is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law and is the former President of the Tallahassee Chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Attorney Yeary lives in Tallahassee with her husband Attorney Ryan Yeary and her two sons.

Who Is My Lawyer?

The Office of the Public Defender encompasses over 120 dedicated professionals to serve you, including trial and appellate attorneys, criminal defense investigators, social workers, and support staff. If you need help finding your lawyer, a comprehensive list can be found below.

Ashley Williams

Legal Assistant to Public Defender Jessica Yeary, First Assistant John Knowles and General Counsel Michael MacNamara

phone: (850) 606-1000

Darlene Rollins
Chief Assistant Public Defender
Gadsden / Liberty County
850.627.9241

John Knowles
First Assistant Public Defender
Leon County
850.606.1000

Megan Long
Appeals Division Chief
Leon County
850.606.8500

Matthew Ream
Chief Assistant Public Defender
Wakulla County
850.926.0923

Eric Henely
Leon Felony Division D Chief
Leon County
850.606.1000

Lolia Fernandez
Felony Division C Chief
Leon County
850.606.1000

Katherine Turner
Chief Assistant Public Defender
Jefferson County
850.342.0202

Lauren Brooker
Leon County Court Division Chief
Leon County
850.606.1000

Michael MacNamara
General Counsel
Leon County
850.606.1000

Ashley Alvarez
Felony Division B Chief
Leon County
850.606.1000

Justin Ward
Chief Assistant Public Defender
Franklin County
850.653.9506

John Lynch
Felony Division A Chief
Leon County
850.606.1000

Kara Fenlon
Children’s Defense Division Chief
Leon County
850.606.1000