08/21/2026
EG is on a roll! 🙌🏾
Help us celebrate one of our own, Attorney Jason Ross, on his historic appointment as the first Chief Public Defender for Rockingham and Caswell Counties!
Attorney Ross has been a member of Elm Grove since 2001 and currently serves as the servant leader of our Men’s Fellowship. His commitment to justice, service, mentorship, and our community continues to make us proud.
This is a tremendous accomplishment for Attorney Ross, his family, our church, and our entire community.
Elm Grove, help us congratulate Attorney Jason Ross! We are EG Proud! 🎉👏🏾
Jason Ross Appointed First Chief Public Defender for Rockingham and Caswell Counties
Wentworth, NC - STAFF REPORT
Attorney Jason Ross has been appointed the inaugural Chief Public Defender for Rockingham and Caswell counties, marking the establishment of a new Public Defender’s Office for Judicial District 22.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Jason Ramey made the appointment following a selection process that included a vote of members of the Rockingham and Caswell County Bar. According to the announcement, Ross was selected by unanimous vote.
The new Public Defender’s Office was established by the North Carolina General Assembly and will provide legal representation to eligible individuals who cannot afford to hire private counsel.
Ross brings more than 30 years of legal experience to the position, including work as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.
He served as a staff attorney with District of Columbia Legal Aid from 1995-96 and East Central Community Legal Services in Smithfield from 1996-97. Ross then served as an assistant district attorney in Rockingham County from 1997-2001 before becoming a criminal defense attorney with Ross & Perkins, PLLC, where he has practiced since 2001.
According to the announcement, Ross has handled thousands of criminal cases and has represented clients at various stages of the criminal justice process.
Judge Ramey said Ross’ experience in criminal law and procedure, courtroom experience and trial and advocacy skills earned the respect of his peers and contributed to the unanimous vote supporting his selection.
Ross said the creation of the office represents a historic milestone for the judicial district and that he intends to build an office focused on excellence, accountability, collaboration and effective, ethical and compassionate representation.
A New Public Defender’s Office
Under Ross’ leadership, the office is expected to include:
* Seven Assistant Public Defenders
* One Administrative Assistant II
* Two Legal Assistants
* One Private Investigator
Ross anticipates the office will be fully staffed and operational within approximately 18 months.
He has already begun winding down his private law practice and hopes to be sworn into his new position by early October 2026.
Ross’ Connection to the Community
Ross has longstanding ties to Rockingham County and has been involved in a number of local community organizations.
He has served on the Rockingham County Arson Task Force and the boards of HELP Inc., the YMCA, United Way of Rockingham County and Habitat for Humanity.
Since 2018, Ross has also served as head basketball coach at Reidsville High School, where he has mentored young people and led the Rams to two state championships during his tenure.
Ross has been a member of Elm Grove Baptist Church in Reidsville since 2001 and currently serves as servant leader of the church’s Men’s Fellowship.
A native of Washington, D.C., Ross moved to North Carolina in 1988. He earned his undergraduate degree in sociology with a minor in criminal justice from Johnson C. Smith University in 1992 and received his Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1995.
Ross and his wife, Dionne, have three children and one grandson.
What the New Office Means
The Public Defender’s Office will become a new component of the criminal justice system serving Judicial District 22, providing legal representation to eligible defendants who are unable to afford private counsel.
Ross said he understands the significance of being the first chief public defender and wants the office to earn the confidence of the courts, legal community, clients and citizens of Rockingham and Caswell counties.
“I understand the significance of the responsibility entrusted to me,” Ross said. “My goal is to establish an office that earns the confidence of the courts, the legal community, our clients, and the citizens of Rockingham and Caswell Counties.”
The office is expected to work alongside judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, court officials, law enforcement, community leaders and residents as it begins operations.
Rockingham Update will continue to follow the development of the new Public Defender’s Office as the office moves toward opening and staffing.
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