Currently, Clark County is the largest county in Washington that utilizes a contractor model without attorney oversight to provide indigent defense services
VANCOUVER – The Clark County Council this week approved using American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish a Public Defense office. The office will be staffed by 10 full-time employees: one senior public defender, six public defenders and three legal assistants.
The two-year ARPA funding will be the foundation to begin the Public Defense office as the county transitions away from its current practice of contracting with local defense attorneys. After the two years, funding for the office will come from indigent defense contract savings in the general fund.
Currently, Clark County is the largest county in Washington that utilizes a contractor model without attorney oversight to provide indigent defense services. A public defense office will help centralize and maximize administration and be able to address sustainability in indigent defense services as Clark County grows. A public/indigent defense attorney often is assigned to some of the most vulnerable population in a community.
“As we transition our office from a contract model to a county public defense office, it is important to give a huge thank you to our dedicated indigent defense attorneys in our county,” said Deputy County Manager Amber Emery. “We have a lot of work to do with the transition and I am excited to be leading this effort for the county. Our first step is to hire a Director of Public Defense, the recruitment will take place in December and January.”
The Public Defense Director will report to the Deputy County Manager’s office.
The approved staff report is available on the county’s website.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
Also read:
- Budget leader says funding for programs and services is safe, concern is demand for billions in new spendingSen. Lynda Wilson highlights safe funding for services despite looming demands for billions in new spending.
- After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?One member of a prominent Washington think tank suspects lawmakers are considering modifying the capital gains tax to generate more revenue for state coffers Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing …
- Opinion: New audit offers another reason lawmakers should leave the state’s paid-leave program behindElizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting audit findings of double-dipping and program inefficiencies.
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwiseWAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.”
- Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools.
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.
- Bridge, trail reopen at Moulton Falls Regional ParkMoulton Falls Regional Park reopens its iconic wood bridge and trail after restoration work to ensure structural integrity and weather protection.