New member joins county’s defender system

A partner in a Three Rivers legal firm has joined St. Joseph County’s contract defender system.

Following action by county commissioners Wednesday, Laurie Hines will join the court rotation as a public defender. She replaces David Tomlinson, whose services are no longer available through the system due to his election as Probate Court judge.

Hines is a partner with the firm Tucker, Davison and Hines PC.

County Administrator Judy West-Wing said Hines was suggested to replace Tomlinson by Three Rivers attorney Ron Grubbs, who heads the group of attorneys within the county’s contract defender system.

West-Wing said Hines agreed to join the system and was recommended by the group.