SKAGIT COUNTY (WA) - REVIEW OF THE ACCUSED INDIGENT DEFENDERS (AID) PROGRAM DURING ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 39837
• Author(s): T F MACCARTHY; H D SOLL; C E TOOLE
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 80 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-043-72
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS REPORT, DATED MAY 1974, EVALUATES THE AID PILOT PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR INDIGENTS THROUGH A PANEL OF ATTORNEYS DRAWN FROM THE LOCAL COUNTY BAR.

Abstract

ATTORNEYS FROM A PANEL OF 22, AT THE DATE OF THIS REPORT, ARE APPOINTED TO CASES AND ARE COMPENSATED THROUGH COUNTY FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE ONLY PROGRAM EMPLOYEE, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. THE CONSULTANTS DESCRIBE THE OPERATING PROCEDURE, FACILITIES, FINANCIAL METHODS, AND DISCUSS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK TOWARD THE AID PROJECT. THE PROGRAM WAS FOUND TO BE EFFECTIVE IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COUNTY'S INDIGENT DEFENDANTS PARTICULARLY BECAUSE THE PROGRAM IS FREE FROM POLITICAL AND JUDICIAL SUPERVISION AND INFLUENCE. THE METHOD FOR ASSIGNMENT OF COUNSEL IS PURPOSEFUL AND FAIR, AND ADEQUATE COMPENSATION IS PAID TO PANEL ATTORNEYS. THE PROGRAM FACILITATES EARLY COUNSEL APPOINTMENTS. MINOR RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE THE USE OF MORE STANDARDIZED FORMS AND EXPANSION OF THE PROGRAM. APPENDIXES CONTAIN CONSULTANTS' RESUMES, AID'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BY-LAWS, AND SAMPLE FORMS USED....TWH