Legal Defender

Our Mission

The mission of the Legal Defender’s Office is to provide quality, competent and professional criminal defense for all clients assigned to our office by the courts; to zealously represent all clients, within the bounds of the law, protect their constitutional rights, and promote the highest standards of trial and courtroom advocacy.

Mr. Gilleo has served as head of the Mohave County Legal Defender’s office since being appointed February 5, 2000. He is a native Arizonan, raised in Mesa Arizona, attending Westwood High School. He received an A.A. degree from Mesa Community College, a B.S. in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, and his Law Degree (J.D.) from the University of Oklahoma.

Ron is a member of the State Bar of Arizona, and the United States Western District of Oklahoma. Mr. Gilleo is an active member in the Arizona Public Defender Association, and serves on the Board of Directors. He is the former Chairman of the Mohave County Law Library Committee and former member of the Oklahoma Bar. Prior to being appointed Legal Defender, Mr. Gilleo worked for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office from 1987-1992 and then for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department from 1992-1996. More recently, he spent 3.5 years with the Mohave County Attorney’s Office where he spent 2 years working with the Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team (Magnet) prosecuting drugs cases. He also worked extensively in the Juvenile Division at the Mohave County Attorney’s Office.

Outside of work Ron enjoys spending time with his wife of 20 years, Marie, and their 4 children. He spends much of his free time attending his children’s various sporting events. For the past several years he has coached a basketball team for the Boys and Girls Club of Kingman. He is also the leader of Boy Scout troop #80.

About Us

The Mohave County Legal Defenders Office was established in 1989 to handle cases of indigent criminal defendants and juvenile delinquents that pose a conflict for the Public Defenders Office.

The Legal Defender’s Office is a complete and separate entity from the Public Defender’s Office. The Legal Defender is an appointed position that answers directly to the County Manager. The Legal Defender’s Office consists of six attorneys, including the Legal Defender, an office manager, two legal secretaries, one investigator, and one receptionist.

The attorneys in this office currently practice before the three Superior Court judges in Kingman that handle criminal matters. The juvenile division of Superior Court travels from Kingman to Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City. Juvenile offenders from the Strip area are required to travel to Kingman for court proceedings. Our attorneys travel to Kingman, Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City for Justice Court proceedings.

Once appointed, this office handles Felony, Misdemeanor, and Juvenile cases which include charges ranging from dog violations to capital murder. Each attorney handles a case from initial appearance through disposition.

DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES:

• To provide our clients with the best possible representation;
• To retain quality employees;
• To maintain a productive, yet pleasant office environment for our staff;
• To continue to educate our staff in new areas of research and technology
• To maintain a pleasant working relationship with the Courts, County Attorneys Office, and other County departments;
• To project a positive image to the residents of Mohave County and improve the community we live in.

BUDGET GOALS

To continue to spend our allotted money wisely so we may provide the best representation possible while staying within the constraints of our budget and to provide our employees with adequate tools and research mechanisms to effectively carry out their daily duties.

CASE INFORMATION

Because we take the Attorney-Client privilege very seriously, and try to maintain the utmost in client confidentiality we recommend you visit the Mohave County Superior Court website for any case information or upcoming court appearances.