NCJ Number
25139
Date Published
1975
Length
18 pages
Annotation
THIS PROJECT INVOLVED A MULTIJURISDICTIONAL MODEL FOR PROVIDING PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES FOR PERSONS CHARGED WITH A MISDEMEANANT DEFENSE.
Abstract
THE FIVE CITIES OF BELLEVUE, BOTHEL, KIRKLAND, REDMON, AND RENTON PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROJECT. TWO TYPES OF LEGAL SERVICES ARE UTILIZED FOR ELIGIBLE INDIGENT CLIENTS - A PUBLIC DEFENDER FIRM AND MEMBERS OF THE PRIVATE BAR ON THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC DEFENSE LIST. DESCRIBED ARE THE PROJECT ADMINISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND OBJECTIVES. PROJECT OBJECTIVES INCLUDED INSURING DEFENSE COUNCIL FOR PERSONS CHARGED WITH OFFENSES WHICH COULD RESULT IN JAIL SENTENCES; PROVIDING CONSISTENT REASONABLE DETERMINATION OF INDIGENCY; PROVIDING QUALITY LEGAL SERVICE TO THOSE ASSIGNED DEFENSE COUNSEL; AND PROVIDING THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE DEFENSE OF PERSONS CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANORS AND JUDGED INDIGENT. SUCCESS CRITERIA ARE SPECIFIED FOR EACH OF THE FOUR MAJOR OBJECTIVES; A DISCUSSION OF INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CRITERIA FOLLOWS. QUANTITATIVE DATA ARE USED WHEN POSSIBLE INCLUDING DETAIL CASE DISPOSITION INFORMATION FROM CASES WHERE PERSONS WERE CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA, DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED, OR DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED. NO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAJOR CHANGES OF PROJECT POLICY OR PROCEDURES WERE MADE. THE TWO PROCEDURAL MODIFICATIONS SUGGESTED INCLUDED INSTITUTING A PROCEDURE WHEREBY THE INDIVIDUAL CAN CONFIRM THAT COUNSEL WAS ACTUALLY PROVIDED TO THE DEFENDANT, AND RESCHEDULING OR ELIMINATING INTERVIEWER STATIONS AT THE BELLEVUE AND RENTON COURTS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)