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Judge warns of possible $150,000 indigent-defense spike as two contract attorneys join DA—s office
Summary
The district judge told commissioners that two contracted felony defense attorneys plan to leave for the district attorney—s office in October and November, creating a case-transfer and appointment burden that could add roughly $75—$150k to the county—s indigent-defense budget over one or more years.
The district judge briefed the commissioners on an unexpected fiscal pressure: two contracted contract attorneys who presently handle felony indigent-defense work — Richard Schmidt and Jonathan Manning — have given notice and are expected to join the district attorney—s office in October and November, respectively. The judge explained that the contract mechanism requires the county to provide continued representation for pending cases, and that replacing those attorneys will likely mean appointing two new contract attorneys who would inherit hefty caseloads immediately.
Judge Reese said the county could face a temporary but material cost increase, roughly on the order of $75,000 to $150,000, to cover the handoff and additional appointments while new contracts are negotiated and pending cases are resolved. He recommended the court be prepared for a short-term budget spike and noted that the hit might be spread across FY27—FY29. Commissioners discussed options (contract attorney terms, flat-fee negotiation, or a shared public-defender model) and the judge said he would post the contract and return with recommended applicants for court approval.
