County attorney presents agreement for deputy public defenders to cover Cheney first appearances

Colin Charbonneau told the board that Cheney district court judges had reported defendants in Cheney were appearing for first appearances without counsel. To address the gap, the county’s public-defender office proposed providing representation at first appearances in Cheney district court, a limited service distinct from full case representation. Charbonneau estimated the volume at roughly 80 people per year and said the arrangement would be billed at an hourly, de minimis rate tied to attorney time. The agreement renews annually and can be terminated with 90 days’ notice if the arrangement proves excessive.

A commissioner characterized Cheney’s prior practice as problematic; Charbonneau said the sheriff/district-court workflow places first appearances in Spokane and that deputies already attend the docket there, so providing counsel at first appearance is feasible and avoids leaving individuals unrepresented at a critical stage.

Why it matters: First appearances are a critical stage when courts decide probable cause and release conditions; having counsel present can materially affect defendants’ outcomes and ensure legal process standards are met.

What’s next: Staff said the agreement will be placed on next Tuesday’s legislative consent agenda for the board’s formal action.