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Public defender proposes third indigent‑defense office to contain rising private‑counsel costs
Summary
Public Defender Luke Brownfield proposed creating an independent third 'alternate counsel' office to reduce reliance on expensive private appointed attorneys, estimating a build‑out near $2 million and noting hiring and space as short‑term obstacles.
Public Defender Luke Brownfield told the Board of Supervisors he is recommending creation of a third, structurally independent alternate conflict‑counsel office to reduce reliance on private appointed counsel and make indigent‑defense costs more predictable.
Lede: "We only have two private attorneys that are willing to take criminal cases," Brownfield said, describing difficulty finding private lawyers for conflict appointments and frequent withdrawals from appointed cases.
Nut graf: Brownfield outlined a multi‑year…
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