WOODSTOCK – Attorneys have been named to fill five open special public defender positions: Henry H. Sugden III, William Bligh, Robin L. Berry, Justin M. Hansen and Charles McKenney.

Criminal defendants have the right to an attorney regardless of whether they can afford one. When they cannot afford an attorney, one from the McHenry County Public Defender’s Office is appointed.

However, the Public Defender’s Office sometimes has conflicts, such as when a co-defendant already is being represented by the office. When that happens, a special public defender is appointed.