Santa Cruz County to open public defender’s office
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Santa Cruz County approved a transition plan to open a public defender's office run by the county. The $13 million that was approved unanimously on Tuesday includes hiring staff and a chief public defender.
For 45 years, Santa Cruz County has contracted with the private firm, Biggam, Christensen, and Minsloff. But the contract they have with them is about to expire.
According to Santa Cruz County Assistant Administrative Officer Nicole Coburn, the plan to open a public defender's office came about five years ago. They hope they can transition and continue to offer services from their offices by July 1, 2022.
“We just want to plan for the future and ensure the long-term sustainability of our Public Defender Services,” said Coburn. “So this is really an effort to ensure continuity of services for the long term, and to hopefully invest in our services more robustly as we go forward.”
A chief public defender has not yet been selected. Attorneys who are currently offering these services within the private firm will have preference during the county hiring process, which will begin next month. The county is currently looking for a new office location. The 13 million dollar budget includes costs for contracts, special experts, and other facility costs. With this transition plan they're hoping to bring additional resources, she said.
"Integrate the services within the county so hopefully, we'll be able to provide additional case management and supportive services to clients,” said Coburn. “So they might see some additional benefits those ways in terms of having access to shops, social workers, or other sorts of supportive services."
In a statement sent to KION, Lary Biggam, partner of Biggam, Christensen, and Minsloff wrote, ”I support the transition to a public model, provided that it is well funded, independent, and incorporates as many of our current staff who want to go. Our clients need to keep their lawyers through this process."
The state of California provides funding to public defender offices. Santa Cruz County hopes they will be able to apply for some of that funding once they have a public defender, she said.
