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County attorney flags likely closure of several justice courts, possible new juvenile court judge and staffing/space needs
Summary
The county attorney said closures of some city justice courts and legislative changes are likely to shift caseloads, possibly prompting the addition of a juvenile/district judge in the first district and the hiring of another attorney and legal assistant to handle growth.
The county attorney told the council the office’s top goals are managing growth, ensuring statutory and grant compliance, and expanding community partnerships for victim services.
He said legislative changes and the closure of some city justice courts will likely shift misdemeanor filings to the district and juvenile workload may increase; the first district appears likely to get a hybrid justice/juvenile judge, and the attorney recommended his chief deputy Daniel Major as a well‑qualified candidate should a judgeship open. To meet caseloads the office anticipates adding another attorney and possibly a legal assistant and is managing acute office‑space constraints (the attorney said they converted a library into office space to accommodate staff).
The attorney also reported closer collaboration with CAPSA and the Red Cross for victim support and noted that compliance with state code and grant requirements remains a top priority. He said any future staffing or space expansion might require budget action and coordination with other departments.
What’s next: the county attorney will continue monitoring justice‑court closures and legislative outcomes; the office may request position and space funding during future budget cycles if caseloads or retirements warrant additional hires.
