St. Joseph County Public Defender Board names Jeff Kimmell Chief Public Defender

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -The St. Joseph County Public Defender Board named Jeff Kimmell as Chief Public Defender after Jim Korpal retired, having served 25 years in that role.

Jeff Kimmell was appointed to fill the position after an interview process and executive session of the SJC Public Defender Board.

The recent retirement of longtime Chief Public Defender, James “Jim” Korpal, became effective on March 31, 2023, and after serving in that role for 25 years, the St. Joseph County Public Defender Board convened and interviewed four candidates for the position.

After an executive session held on March 24, 2023, the Public Defender Board met and offered the Chief Public Defender position to Jeff Kimmell, who was the current Chief Deputy Public Defender.

Kimmell has experience as a private practice criminal defense attorney, 27 years as a public defender, military background, and experience as the Chief Deputy Public Defender.

Kimmell accepted the job offer on March 27, and was appointed for a four-year term beginning April 1, 2023.

The Chief Public Defender in St. Joseph County is responsible for the leadership of a staff of 32 part-time public defenders, one full-time public defender, and the Administrative Assistant.

The Chief Public Defender manages a budget of roughly $3 million dollars and works with the Indiana Public Defender Commission to help the county get reimbursed approximately 40 % of costs by complying with the Indiana statutes governing Public Defender programs.