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Public Defender warns Maryland office is in crisis as vacancies and caseloads strain services
Summary
The Office of the Public Defender urged lawmakers to approve the governor's fiscal 2026 allowance without cuts, saying vacancies, excessive caseloads and limited IT support risk constitutional representation for indigent clients.
Leaders, staff and union representatives from the Maryland Office of the Public Defender told the Public Safety and Administration Subcommittee that the office requires the full fiscal 2026 governor'recommended funding to address critical vacancies, heavy caseloads and technology shortfalls that undermine representation for indigent clients.
"OPD is in crisis," Public Defender Natasha Dartig told the committee, urging lawmakers to "concur with the governor's allowance and approve the FY26 budget as presented." Dartig described vacancies across attorneys and core staff, and said the governor's allowance partially phases in additional positions the office needs to…
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