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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Merced County Grand Jury • 2002-2003

Merced County Office of the Public Defender

Published: April 27, 2004 59 pages

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⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 11 findings

F1 Page 20

The Public Defender's Office has 13 attorneys and three clerical staff An additional half-time staff member is assigned to the Los Banos Office of the Public Defender (not reviewed) . Two private investigators and three part-time jail interviewers are on staff

F2 Page 20

Contract public defenders are not managed by the Public Defender's Office .

F3 Page 20

Contract public defenders are hired by the Merced County Executive Officer (CEO) or his designee .

F4 Page 20

Concerns exist regarding the hiring of unqualified contract public defenders .

F5 Page 20

The total cases per year handled by the Public Defender's Office is between 9,000-10,000. The number of cases in one year peaked over 12,000 . Each attorney handles between 800-900 cases per year depending upon the balance between misdemeanor and felony cases . This caseload is monitored by the Public Defender . 2002-2003 Grand Jury Report -16-

F6 Page 21

The facility at 2150 M St., Merced, is conveniently and appropriately located near the courts.

F7 Page 21

The facility is over-crowded and inappropriate for a professional legal office. Many of the attorneys share office space . Most of the walls do not go to the ceiling, many offices double as walkways to other offices, and insulation is poor if it exists, making privacy and confidentiality nonexistent .

F8 Page 21

The carpeting is well worn and dirty, as are the seat covers on chairs in the waiting area. Dirt and dust is apparent behind the doors . The break room, which doubles as the library, has visible marks on the ceiling from an upstairs toilet, which has a history of overflowing .

F9 Page 21

It was reported by the Public Defender that the assignment and review of facilities is the responsibility of the Merced County CEO .

F10 Page 21

It was reported that the CEO has never visited this facility .

F11 Page 21

It was reported that three members of the Merced County Board of Supervisors visited t4e facility five years ago .

Recommendations 4

R1
Page 21

The Grand Jury recommends that the County of Merced upgrade this facility.
R2
Page 21

The Public Defender's Office should be a facility comparable to private counsel handling a comparable law practice .
R3
Page 21

Contract public defenders should be reviewed and assigned on the basis of experience and qualifications by a panel of legal professionals (including, at least, one judge).
R4
Page 21

The Bar Association should be consulted regarding the credentials and prior experience of proposed contract public defenders . 2002-2003 Grand Jury Report