NCJ Number
57204
Date Published
1978
Length
83 pages
Annotation
CRIMINAL DEFENSE SERVICES FOR THE INDIGENT IN MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZ., WERE EXAMINED AND EVALUATED IN THIS STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR DEFENSE MANAGEMENT.
Abstract
STUDY GOALS WERE TO ANALYZE THE PRESENT SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT ASSIGNED COUNSEL SYSTEM IN ORDER TO CUT COSTS. STUDY METHODS INCLUDED SITE VISITS, FIELD INTERVIEWS, COURT OBSERVATIONS, STRUCTURED QUESTIONNAIRES, AND REVIEW OF AVAILABLE STATISTICAL INFORMATION. MARICOPA COUNTY CURRENTLY PROVIDES DEFENSE TO THE INDIGENT THROUGH A PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY, APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, AND CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH PRIVATE COUNSEL. ALTHOUGH THE COUNTY CURRENTLY PROVIDES EXCELLENT SERVICES TO THE INDIGENT, PROBLEM AREAS INCLUDE DELAYS IN APPOINTMENT OF ATTORNEYS, INADEQUATE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ASSIGNED PRIVATE COUNSEL, AND LACK OF CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION FOR ATTORNEYS UNDERTAKING INDIGENT REPRESENTATION. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT (1) THE ASSIGNED PRIVATE COUNSEL SYSTEM BE RETAINED AND MODIFIED TO PROVIDE A MORE STRUCTURED AND SUPERVISED SYSTEM; (2) SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS INVESTIGATORS AND LAW STUDENT INTERNS BE ADDED; (3) A CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION PROGRAM BE IMPLEMENTED; (4) THE ROSTER OF ASSIGNED COUNSEL BE STRUCTURED ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE; (5) A SECOND DEFENDER AGENCY NOT BE ESTABLISHED; (6) A CONTRACT SYSTEM USING FLAT FEES BE ELIMINATED; AND (7) THE REFERRAL SYSTEM FOR THE MARGINALLY INDIGENT BE REVIEWED AND USED TO REDUCE COSTS. TABLES, FOOTNOTES, AND APPENDIXES PRESENTING ADDITIONAL DATA AND STUDY BACKGROUND, ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)