HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The newest Chief Public Defender for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Abigail Thibeault, introduced herself as well as some members of her Public Defense Office during last night’s City Council meeting. 

Thibeault described how since starting back in late January, the office has opened 1,817 cases and has closed over 950, which she said at least a third of those cases have been closed after being dismissed or the charges were entered Nolle Prosequi. 

“It has been our observation that we have started to turn the tide in Rockingham County by setting more jury trials than have been set before, fighting for our clients, which is our mandate and our pleasure,” said Thibeault.

Thibeault continued by saying that of the 5 jury trials so far, all of them have ended in a not guilty verdict or dismissal.