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Snoqualmie committee weighs adopting new Washington Supreme Court public-defense standards, hears Valley Defenders contract update
Summary
The Public Safety Committee reviewed a resolution to adopt new Washington Supreme Court indigent defense standards and an updated contract proposal from Valley Defenders that would lower individual caseloads and raise the city’s annual fee to about $160,000; staff and council discussed capacity, retention and budget options.
The Snoqualmie Public Safety Committee on Dec. 1 considered a resolution (AB 25-122) to adopt new Washington Supreme Court public-defense standards and discussed an updated contract proposal from Valley Defenders that would reduce per-attorney caseloads while increasing the city’s annual payment.
Chief Jerese told the committee the Supreme Court adopted revised standards on June 9, 2025 that phase in reduced caseload limits (a goal of 47 felony case credits and 120 misdemeanor case credits per defender) over a 10-year period, with rules taking effect Jan. 1, 2026. He said the resolution would repeal the city’s 2012 Resolution 11-64 so the city can update its contract with Valley Defenders.
Melinda, a city staff member, provided…
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