Washington’s Supreme Court Slashes Public Defender Caseload Limits

High vacancy rate at Fresno County Public Defender's Office prompts concern

There are new concerns about the Fresno County Public Defender's Office, where nearly one in three jobs are now empty.

Washington’s Supreme Court slashes public defender caseload limits

The changes will take effect Jan. 1, but local governments get a decade to comply. For cash-strapped counties, it may not be enough time without more state aid.

West Virginia Supreme Court enacts statewide hiring freeze amid $5.5 million funding cut

Charleston, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia State Supreme Court is facing a nearly 4 percent funding cut that will directly impact all 55 counties of the Mountain State, resulting in a hiring freeze.  Most of the Supreme Court’s employees primarily work in county courtrooms and offices and are essential to court proceedings.  The state legislature makes the final decision on the judiciary’s budget.   This year, the legislature reduced the Supreme …

WA Supreme Court slashes public defender caseload limits

Justices unanimously agreed to set the new statewide standards for public defenders to handle a maximum of 47 felony cases or 120 misdemeanor cases in a year. The current thresholds are 150 felonies and 400 misdemeanors. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News) The state Supreme Court on Monday responded to a “crisis” in Washington’s public defense system by slashing caseloads for those providing counsel to poor defendants facing criminal prosecutions. …