Ritzler takes on new role

SANDUSKY — A longtime assistant public defender for the Erie County Public Defender's Office recently received a promotion to oversee the organization. Robert Ritzler's appointment as the Erie County public defender went into effect on March 30, according to a news release from the office. The office handles thousands of cases every year: from traffic violations to the most serious felony cases. Ritzler joined the office in 2013. He earned his law degree from Capital University Law School in 2010 and spent nearly his entire career in criminal defense. He resides in Sandusky with his wife and three sons, the release states. The former public defender, T. Douglas Clifford, remains with the office as a chief assistant where his decades of legal experience "will still be an asset to Erie County," the release states. In his new role, Ritzler will manage a team of six assistant public defenders, some of the most seasoned in the office's history, the release states. Ritzler's primary goal is to maintain the highest levels of legal advocacy for his clients as protecting every citizen's rights is essential to securing justice for the entire community, the release states. Ritzler unsuccessfully ran for Sandusky Municipal Court judge in 2025, a race in which Michael Kaufman was elected to the judge's chair. Here's what Ritzler said regarding his new position: Q: What motivated you to accept the role of public defender for Erie County at this point in your career? A: I was honored to accept this appointment from my board. I have felt called to public service my entire career. I love my job as a public defender, and I believe the director should have a passion for this work and a desire to see everyone's rights protected. Q: What do you see as the most important responsibility of a county public defender? A: By far the most important responsibility is to make sure that no person charged with a crime falls through the cracks of the justice system. A close second is to make sure my office has the resources to make good on its promise of quality representation for all. Q: How has your experience as an assistant public defender for Erie County prepared you for this role? A: I have spent 16 years in indigent defense. I am one of the few attorneys in this county to have practiced in every court my office covers, which is 10 in all. The thousands of cases I have handled will help me prepare for the next thousand. Note: When a defendant cannot afford an attorney, they can be ruled "indigent" by the court and have an attorney appointed to them. Q: How do you plan to ensure that every person receives effective and fair representation? A: Luckily, I have one of the most experienced staffs my office has ever known. Every public defender I employ, I trust implicitly with the well-being of the clients they represent. My job is to provide them with the resources to do their job. Q: Are there any specific reforms or improvements you hope or plan to implement within the public defender's office? A: Every new public defender has the opportunity to revise policies to better suit an ever-changing legal environment. I would like to focus on being more approachable to the community at large to explain our work and address concerns. Q: What is your annual salary for this new position? A: (It's) $90,000 a year. This figure is less than the Erie County prosecutor, all his chief assistants and many of his non-administrative attorneys, some with half my experience. Q: How did the experience of running for election teach you about how to be a better leader? A: I believe I knocked on more doors in the Sandusky area than any candidate in living memory. I connected with residents, elected leaders, spiritual leaders, law enforcement and important people throughout this community. I think I understand their concerns as well as anyone. Q: What are some notable cases that you have handled within the last five years? And how do you plan to manage such a heavy caseload in this new position? A: I don't like to publicize clients if I can help it. If you read the Sandusky Register, you have likely seen many of the cases I have been involved in. I have represented people charged with murder and speeding tickets. My youngest client was 9 (years old). My oldest (was) in his 80s. I don't think it is a stretch to say I have been involved in some of the most serious cases this county has seen in the last decade.