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Public Defender warns staff shortages could force refusal of homicide cases; committee disapproves two paralegal requisitions
Summary
The public defender told the Budget & Finance Committee that rising felony and homicide caseloads and a shortage of paralegals are pushing the office toward refusing assignments; after debate about midyear cuts and projected savings, the committee voted to disapprove (table) two paralegal requisitions.
The Public Defender told the Budget & Finance Committee the office has seen a sharp rise in felony filings and homicides and that current paralegal staffing levels leave it unable to meet constitutionally required defense work. "We can no longer continue to represent the number of homicide and serious cases... being down to paralegals," the Public Defender said, framing the request for two legal‑assistant positions as necessary to avoid turning cases over to private counsel.
Why it matters: The department argued that refusing appointments to excess cases is an ethical obligation under the Sixth…
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