Mohave County Attorney Smith reviews office budget and staffing needs amid rising caseloads

In the heart of Mohave County, the Board of Supervisors convened to address pressing issues surrounding the County Attorney's Office, a pivotal institution tasked with upholding justice in a rapidly growing community. Attorney Smith, a veteran of the office for over 37 years, presented a comprehensive overview of the office's staffing and budgetary needs, emphasizing the challenges posed by the county's significant population growth—from 55,000 residents in 1987 to over 225,000 today.

As the meeting unfolded, Smith detailed the office's primary responsibilities, which include the prosecution of all felonies and serious misdemeanors occurring in the county. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with local law enforcement agencies, such as the sheriff's office and city police departments, to tackle pressing issues like drug-related crimes and child abuse. The office's workload has surged, with over 3,000 felony cases reviewed in the past year alone, underscoring the increasing demand for legal services.

A critical point of discussion was the alarming turnover rate among prosecutors, which has led to a backlog of cases. Currently, 603 cases await review, with many lingering for months due to insufficient staffing. Smith pointed out that the office has only 19 prosecutors to handle a caseload that rivals larger counties with significantly more legal staff. This disparity raises concerns about the quality of legal representation and the potential for burnout among attorneys.

Smith also touched on the office's efforts to adapt to modern challenges, including the integration of body camera footage into legal proceedings. The need for thorough review of this material has added to the workload, necessitating additional support staff to manage the disclosure process.

In light of these challenges, the County Attorney's Office is seeking to fill previously frozen positions and enhance recruitment efforts through an intern program aimed at attracting local talent. Smith expressed optimism that these initiatives could help stabilize the office and improve its capacity to serve the community effectively.

As the meeting concluded, the Board of Supervisors was left to ponder the implications of these discussions. The future of Mohave County's legal system hinges on addressing these staffing and budgetary needs, ensuring that justice remains accessible and effective for all residents in this burgeoning region.