Impact of Governor’s Budget on Public Defense

2012-2013 Outlook Summary

• Status Quo the Board will lose $4.3 million (3.5%) of its funding ($75 attorney registration fee and federal funding).
• Governor’s Rec is an additional 4% reduction. ($4.6 million for 2012-2013 period).
• 14% reduction in staffing last biennium.
• 10-15% reduction in staffing with the Governor’s recommendation.
• Could lose 1/3 or more of the attorney staff. (Loss of one time funding, Proposed budget reductions, Personnel cost increases for 2012-2013)
• Caseloads will rise to 125% of state and national standards.
• Based on a 40 hour week, average time per case will decrease to less than 3 hours. (Includes wait time, travel time, meeting with clients, in and out of court time.