Consent 4.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
Indigent Defense
- Meeting Date:
- 06/04/2024
- Title:
- Approve Amended Compensation Fee Increase for Contract Defense Attorneys
- Submitted By:
- Stephanie DeCastro, Indigent Defense
- Department:
- Indigent Defense
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature NOT Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
1
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Sharon Gilman
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Deputy County Administrator
Mandated Function?:
Local Mandate or Policy
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Admin Order No. 2022-018
Docket Number (If applicable):
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve the amended compensation schedule increase for contract defense attorneys as described in the attachment for the Indigent Defense Coordinator, effective June 1, 2024.
Background:
The Indigent Defense Coordinator (IDC) sets forth compensation fees for contract defense attorneys performing indigent defense services for Cochise County.
IDC's compensation schedule fees were increased and approved on October 25, 2022. Since then, an error was found in the chart that did not include the appropriate increase for Felony, First Degree Murder Cases. Therefore, the amendment corrects this oversight and increases the hourly rate for Felony - First Degree Murder cases from $75/hr to $100/hr.
IDC's compensation schedule fees were increased and approved on October 25, 2022. Since then, an error was found in the chart that did not include the appropriate increase for Felony, First Degree Murder Cases. Therefore, the amendment corrects this oversight and increases the hourly rate for Felony - First Degree Murder cases from $75/hr to $100/hr.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
If approved, IDC will provide the new rates to current and future attorneys in accordance with the amended contract compensation schedule as of June 1, 2024.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
If not approved, IDC will reimburse attorneys for time and expenses based on the current compensation schedule. Contract attorneys will continue to refuse Cochise County first degree murder cases due to inconsistent compensation for felony cases, contributing to backlogs in the court system due to a lack of defense representation.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
If approved, please return the approved Compensation Schedule to Stephanie DeCastro, Administrative Manager at the IDC Department.
Fiscal Impact
Attachments
- Admin Order No. 2022-018
- Compensation Schedule October 25, 2022
- Amended Compensation Schedule as of June 1, 2024