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After contentious public comment, Spokane County adopts amended public‑defender case‑weighting draft 3–2
Summary
Following extensive testimony from public defenders and residents, the Spokane County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 to adopt a motion to amend the draft public‑defender standards, setting preliminary case weights based on the Washington state average and providing for a phased case‑waiting system tied to published policy and local data collection.
The Spokane County Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 Dec. 16 to adopt an amended draft of Spokane County Code 1.17A, adjusting standards for delivery of public‑defender services to incorporate preliminary case weights based on the Washington state average and to permit a case‑waiting system.
County staff explained that the Washington State Supreme Court issued an order directing phased caseload reductions (a 10% annual reduction in the difference between current and new standards, with full compliance by Jan. 1, 2036, if phased). Scott Simmons, staff presenter, laid out fiscal projections and…
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