Mohave County Public Defender Office requests additional staffing amid rising case loads

Mohave County's Board of Supervisors meeting on April 21, 2025, highlighted critical staffing needs within the county's public defense system, as officials called for increased resources to address rising caseloads and complex legal challenges.

John Gillenwater, the public defender, presented alarming statistics indicating that the Mohave County Public Defender's Office currently operates with 12 attorneys, down from 20 in 2010, while facing the highest felony filings in the state. He emphasized that the office requires six additional attorneys, one investigator, and three support staff to effectively manage the workload, estimating the financial impact at approximately $1.2 million.

Ron Gillio, the legal defender, echoed these concerns, noting logistical challenges due to insufficient staffing to cover multiple court appearances across the county. He highlighted the need for more personnel as the number of cases continues to grow, particularly with the increasing complexity of criminal cases.

Blake Schroeder, Director of Indigent Defense Services, outlined the office's dual challenges: restoring staffing levels to 2014 standards and increasing compensation rates for contract attorneys, which have remained stagnant for 15 years. He proposed a budget increase of around $100,000 annually to make the county's rates competitive and attract qualified attorneys.

The meeting also addressed juvenile justice issues, with Bobby Shin, the legal advocate, reporting a significant rise in juvenile cases, particularly those involving violence and weapons. The office currently manages nearly 400 active cases, far exceeding the recommended caseload of 45 to 60 children per attorney. Shin requested additional investigators and a paralegal to enhance the office's capacity to meet legal requirements and support vulnerable youth.

The board acknowledged the pressing needs of the public defense system, with Supervisor Martin noting the challenges of balancing the budget while addressing these critical staffing requests. The discussions underscored the urgent need for action to ensure that the county's legal defense services can adequately serve its growing population and uphold the rights of indigent defendants.