New Hampshire Public Defender faces crisis with soaring caseloads and attorney shortages

The New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee convened on January 15, 2025, to address pressing issues within the state's public defender system. Suzanne Ketteridge, the newly appointed interim executive director of the New Hampshire Public Defenders, presented a detailed overview of the current challenges facing the program.

Ketteridge, who has extensive experience as a public defender, highlighted the critical role of public defenders in ensuring that individuals charged with crimes receive legal representation, as mandated by the Sixth Amendment. She emphasized that New Hampshire's public defender program operates as an independent nonprofit, contracted by the state to provide indigent defense across all counties.

The meeting revealed alarming statistics regarding the workload of public defenders. In 2023, the program managed over 21,000 criminal cases with a staff of approximately 140 attorneys, a number that has recently decreased due to attrition. Ketteridge noted that the average caseload per attorney is nearing 100, which is unsustainable and leads to burnout among staff. This situation is particularly dire in rural areas, such as Coos and Grafton Counties, where recruitment of public defenders is increasingly challenging.

Ketteridge also discussed the financial constraints impacting the program, stating that the pay scale for public defenders is inadequate given the demanding nature of the work. She mentioned ongoing efforts to recruit experienced attorneys from other states and to collaborate with the University of New Hampshire School of Law to utilize law students in the public defense system.

The committee members raised questions about the starting salary for public defenders, which Ketteridge estimated to be around $67,000, and the challenges related to arraignments for misdemeanor offenses. Ketteridge acknowledged that the current system for arraignments is problematic, particularly for incarcerated individuals who require immediate legal representation.

In response to inquiries about outreach efforts to recruit veterans with legal backgrounds, Ketteridge expressed interest in exploring this avenue further. She acknowledged the increasing complexity of cases handled by public defenders, including those involving serious crimes and mental health issues among clients.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the urgent need for systemic changes to address the staffing crisis within the public defender program. Ketteridge's insights underscored the importance of adequate funding and support to ensure that all individuals in New Hampshire have access to fair legal representation. The committee plans to continue discussions on potential solutions to these pressing issues in future meetings.