Public Defender increases staffing to enhance courtroom efficiency in domestic violence cases

Arapahoe County is set to enhance its courtroom resources significantly, as the public defender's office commits to doubling its staffing in each courtroom. This decision comes in response to an increasing number of cases, particularly in domestic violence, and aims to ensure that defendants receive adequate representation.

During a recent study session, officials discussed the current judicial landscape, noting that five county court judges will manage the influx of cases without the addition of a new judge. To address this challenge, the public defender's office will now assign two public defenders to each courtroom, up from one. This adjustment is crucial as not all cases involve public defenders; some defendants represent themselves, and others hire private attorneys.

In tandem with this staffing increase, the county plans to implement an intake process for domestic violence cases, similar to the existing system for felony cases. This new approach will involve having a designated intake individual present during first appearances to ensure that charges are accurate from the outset, thereby reducing delays that can extend up to six weeks.

Additionally, the proposal includes hiring an extra deputy district attorney for each courtroom, bringing the total to three per courtroom. This will help balance the workload and improve the efficiency of case processing. The plan also calls for additional supervisory roles to provide necessary training for new deputies and to address appeals, ensuring that the legal team is well-prepared to handle the complexities of the cases.

Moreover, there is an urgent need for training with the Aurora Police Department, as discrepancies exist between municipal and state misdemeanor offenses. The police department has expressed the necessity for this training to be implemented promptly.

These strategic changes reflect Arapahoe County's commitment to improving its judicial system and ensuring that all defendants receive fair and timely legal representation. As these initiatives roll out, the county aims to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of its court operations.