Saratoga County, NY — Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby today announced the creation of a new Appeals Bureau within the District Attorney’s Office, a strategic move that will significantly reduce costs to taxpayers while strengthening the office’s ability to protect convictions and deliver justice for crime victims. By handling appeals in-house rather than relying on outside counsel, the new Appeals Bureau is expected to save Saratoga County taxpayers six figures annually. In addition to the financial benefits, the bureau will ensure that appeals are handled by experienced prosecutors who work closely with trial attorneys from the earliest stages of a case through final resolution.
“This new Appeals Bureau is both fiscally responsible and justice-driven,” District Attorney Eby said. “By keeping appeals work within our office, we are saving taxpayers a substantial amount of money while ensuring continuity, accountability, and the highest level of advocacy for the people of Saratoga County.” The Appeals Bureau will be led by Jesse Ashdown, a veteran prosecutor with more than 20 years of experience in the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office. Ashdown previously served as a Principal Court Attorney at the New York State Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court.
Under the new structure, seasoned appellate prosecutors will collaborate directly with trial attorneys to defend hard-fought convictions on appeal, strengthening the office’s overall prosecution strategy and ensuring that victims receive lasting justice. “Our victims deserve more than just a conviction, they deserve to know that the result will be defended at every level,” Eby said. “Having experienced appellate attorneys working hand-in-hand with our trial team gives us a significant advantage in protecting those outcomes.”
District Attorney Eby said Ashdown’s background made him the clear choice to lead the new bureau. “Jesse Ashdown’s experience as a prosecutor, his strong leadership within this office, and his time working at the Court of Appeals make him the natural fit to lead our Appeals Bureau,” Eby said. “He understands how cases are built, how they are reviewed, and how to successfully defend them at the highest levels of the judicial system.”
“I’m honored to take on this role,” said Chief Ashdown. “This unit will strengthen our ability to defend convictions and ensure that the work done on behalf of victims and the community is preserved on appeal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new capacity.”