Public Defense Director: 2025 felony caseloads 281; Supreme Court cap forces rethink, requests resolution

Eileen Murphy, director of the Kittitas County Office of Public Defense, told the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 12 that felony cases in 2025 totaled 281 and that a recent Washington Supreme Court ruling will limit public defense attorneys to carrying 139 cases in 2026. "Felony cases in 2025 numbered 281," Murphy said, adding the number is about 50 fewer than in 2024 and that, when combined with criminal and misdemeanor work, the caseload averages roughly 282 cases per attorney.

Murphy said the Supreme Court ruling creates a material workload change for rural jurisdictions and could cause hardship for staff if current assignment practices continue. She said she has spoken with Derek Young at the Washington State Association of Counties and was invited to participate in legislative discussions about how to respond to the ruling. "Mr. Young has asked me to participate in legislative discussions regarding this," Murphy said.

Murphy also reported that her office has been asked to assist clients or participate in cases outside its established parameters. She asked the commissioners for permission to draft a resolution to "define the roles, guidelines, and establish parameters for the staff of the Office of Public Defense," so the office can set clear boundaries and expectations for handling requests that fall outside its scope.

The minutes record no formal motion or vote on Murphy's request; no action is recorded in the minutes. The special meeting concluded at 10:34 a.m.