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Eaton County prosecutor reports rising caseload, staffing challenges
Summary
Prosecutor Doug Lloyd told the committee the office has 7,776 open cases (an increase of 199), faced 734 hearing notices last month and made 263 victim contacts; he warned hiring experienced attorneys will remain difficult despite budget efforts.
Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd reported to the Safety Committee on Sept. 4 that his office's caseload continues to grow and that recruiting experienced attorneys remains a challenge.
Lloyd said the office had 7,776 open cases in its system, up 199 from the prior month. He noted the office received 734 court notices last month requiring attorney appearances across county courtrooms and magistrate sessions; those appearances consume attorney time that would otherwise be used to process new matters.
Lloyd also said the office sent discovery to defense counsel roughly 350 separate times last year and made 263 victim contacts last month. He told commissioners that because many current staff have relatively few years of experience, mentoring and training new attorneys will remain necessary; county salary levels make hiring experienced lawyers difficult in the current market.
Lloyd thanked county budget staff for efforts during the budget process but said even with additional positions, hiring experienced candidates may take time. He did not request specific actions at the meeting but provided the caseload figures for commissioners' consideration during budget deliberations.
