Schwartz named interim public defender

COEUR d'ALENE — Christopher Schwartz has been named Kootenai County's interim public defender.

John Adams, the previous chief public defender, retired last week. His last day of work was Wednesday.

Schwartz began working for the Defender's Office in 2006, went into private practice in 2008 for four years to focus on criminal defense cases, and returned to the Defender's Office in 2012 to take on felony cases.

"We are confident that Mr. Schwartz’ broad experience at the state and local level, combined with his years of service within the Public Defender’s Office, will help facilitate a smooth transition," a press release from the county commissioners states.

Schwartz was raised in Coeur d’Alene and graduated from Lake City High School in 1997. He attended the University of Idaho, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2001 and a juris doctor degree in 2004.

Schwartz previously worked for the State Appellate Public Defender, where he argued cases before both the Idaho Court of Appeals and the Idaho Supreme Court.

The county's human resources department will work with a committee established by Administrative Judge Lansing Haynes to appoint a permanent chief public defender.