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County attorney warns of heavy caseloads; commission approves VOCA grant application
Summary
County Attorney Keith told the North County Commission the office has 510 superior-court dockets and expects about 741 cases this year, cited canceled jury months and a compressed trial calendar, and the commission unanimously approved applying for a VOCA victim-witness grant (maximum $42,613).
County Attorney Keith told the North County Commission on Wednesday that his office is handling unusually high caseloads and a compressed trial calendar as a result of recent changes and pandemic-era backlogs. "We have docket 510 cases in superior court," he said, adding the office is on track for "about 741" cases for the year.
Keith said the courts canceled jury trials in July and December to reduce budgets, a change that has compressed the trial schedule and will make this fall particularly difficult. He noted that there are 18 cases scheduled for jury selection between Sept. 22 and Oct. 31 and that five are slated to begin on Sept. 22. "We are really going to be crunched," he said.
The county attorney reviewed budget figures and staffing. He said the office is 63% through its budget and currently on pace to be under budget by just over $26,000, while warning that upcoming trials and expert expenses may reduce that surplus.
On victim services funding, Keith asked the commission for permission to apply for and to accept a VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) victim-witness grant. He said the maximum amount available for application is $42,613. Unidentified Speaker 1 moved to approve the request; the motion carried with commissioners answering "Aye."
Why it matters: The higher caseload and compressed trial calendar could extend litigation timelines and increase pressure on prosecutors, defense counsel and court resources. The VOCA grant would help partially fund victim-witness advocates, a service Keith said the office relies on.
The commission took no other formal action on court scheduling or staffing beyond approving the grant application; Keith said a longer-term solution is adding trial dates rather than cutting trial months. The meeting proceeded to other agenda items.
