Mohave County Attorney's Office seeks additional prosecutors to address workload issues

In the heart of Mohave County, a pivotal Board of Supervisors meeting unfolded, shedding light on the pressing challenges faced by the county's legal system. As the sun streamed through the windows of the county building, discussions centered on the growing population and the increasing demands on the prosecutor's office, revealing a stark reality: the number of prosecutors has not kept pace with the surge in cases.

The meeting highlighted a significant demographic shift, with Mohave County's population rising from 55,000 to an estimated 226,000 over the past two decades. This growth has led to a corresponding increase in felony cases, yet the number of full-time prosecutors has only marginally increased from 15 to 19. The disparity is striking; while the county's population has surged, the legal team remains stretched thin, handling more cases than their counterparts in neighboring counties.

One poignant moment came when the discussion turned to the personal stories of local attorneys who have risen through the ranks, illustrating the potential for homegrown talent to fill the gaps. A law school student who began volunteering in high school and a former intern now thriving as a prosecutor were highlighted as examples of the community's commitment to nurturing local talent. However, the reality of burnout looms large, as current prosecutors juggle heavy caseloads—some managing upwards of 80 cases at a time, compared to their peers in Yavapai County, who handle significantly fewer.

The meeting also addressed the competitive landscape for legal talent, with local attorneys leaving for better-paying positions in city offices. The county's attorney emphasized the need for additional support staff and prosecutors to alleviate the burden on existing employees and retain talent. The call for action was clear: without strategic hiring and support, the county risks losing dedicated professionals to burnout and better opportunities elsewhere.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the situation was palpable. The Board of Supervisors faces a critical decision: to invest in the legal infrastructure of Mohave County or risk further strain on a system already under pressure. The future of the county's legal landscape hangs in the balance, with the hope that local talent can be harnessed to meet the growing demands of a vibrant community.