Approve a legal services agreement with Caryn C. Warren, authorizing her to serve on the Conflict Indigent Defense Panel through June 30, 2026. (No general fund impact) (Pogledich)

Approve a legal services agreement (Attachment A) with Caryn C. Warren, authorizing her to serve on the Conflict Indigent Defense Panel through June 30, 2026.

As the Board is aware, the County is legally obligated to ensure that indigent defendants are represented by skilled attorneys in criminal proceedings in Yolo Superior Court. The Public Defender's office handles the representation of most defendants, but at times it is unable to provide legal services because of a conflict of interest or (more rarely) other situation that prevents that office from providing representation. To address these situations, the County has long contracted with a panel of several local attorneys--the Conflict Indigent Defense Panel--for such services.

The purpose of this item is to authorize execution of a contract with Caryn C. Warren to serve as a Panel attorney. Ms. Warren will replace Rod Beede, an attorney who is retiring on December 31, 2024 after many years of service on the Panel. The contract anticipates a November 1, 2024 start date for Ms. Warren to enable an effective transition of Mr. Beede's assigned cases, as requested by the Panel Administrator (Ava Landers). 

Ms. Warren is highly qualified to serve on the Panel and has worked in the criminal justice system in various capacities (including with the Yolo County District Attorney's office) since 2007. This office recommends approval of the proposed agreement. The agreement is included as Attachment A, and Ms. Warren's resume is included as Attachment B.

This Office consulted with Ava Landers, the Panel Administrator, and the District Attorney's office.