Title
Public Defense Performance Metrics Presentation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a presentation on Public Defense Performance Metrics.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a presentation on Public Defense Performance Metrics.
Staff Contact:
Diane Whaley, Community Court Executive/Public Defense Coordinator, 360.753.8057
Presenter(s):
Diane Whaley, Community Court Executive/Public Defense Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
Olympia Municipal Court Public Defense provides services to those charged with misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes in the City of Olympia. Currently, Public Defense has a budget of $647,675. Olympia employs a Public Defense Coordinator, shared position with the Community Court Executive. The Public Defense Coordinator reviews data provided by the Public Defenders on a monthly basis. This Coordinator is responsible for budget, contracts, compliance with indigent standards, scheduling and all other administrative aspects of Public Defense.
Public Defense also employs a part time Social Services Worker for 16 hours per week, who provides social service information to defendants charged with a crime by the City of Olympia. Their services are rendered prior to the first appearance of those held at Olympia City Jail and as requested by the Public Defenders. The Social Services Worker position has been fully funded by the Washington State Office of Public Defense; the grant to fund this position will end December 31, 2021.
Currently, Olympia contracts with five different Public Defenders, each with a one-year contract, from five separate law firms. The Washington State Office of Public Defense Grant contributes to the compensation for Public Defenders; the grant ends December 31, 2021.
Defendants charged in Olympia Municipal Court are screened for indigency pursuant to RCW 10.101.010 to determine eligibility for a Public Defender; the Screening...
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