Scales of Justice Out of Balance?

F1

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Public Defender’s Office consistently achieved successful outcomes in the majority of their cases in 2024, in spite of overwhelming caseloads and lack of resources. This reflects admirably on the office and builds a positive community perception of the Public Defender’s Office.

No recommendations for this finding

F2

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Public Defender’s Office staff is dedicated and committed to its mission which has inspired them to go above and beyond and, in the face of adverse circumstances, allow them to complete their mission.

No recommendations for this finding

F3

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Public Defender’s Office has received few complaints from clients and only one time in the past three years has an attorney been removed from a case due to inadequate assistance of counsel establishing that they are competently and effectively serving their clients.

No recommendations for this finding

F4

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The building in which the Public Defender’s Office is housed is in poor condition and not well maintained. This presents health and safety risks, projects an unprofessional appearance, and negatively impacts staff morale. (R1)

Related Recommendations (1)

R1

The Board of Supervisors schedule the relocation of the Public Defender’s Office and approve funding for the relocation to a suitable office which is ADA-compliant. This is to be approved no later than June 30, 2026. (F4)

F5

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Public Defender’s office does not provide adequate security, creating an unsafe work environment. (R2, R3)

Related Recommendations (3)

R2

The Board of Supervisors direct the Department of Public Works to effect the installation of impenetrable barriers at all reception area counters in the Public Defender’s Office by October 1, 2025. (F5)

R3

The Board of Supervisors direct Public Works to effect the installation of a locking door between the public reception area and private area of the Public Defender’s Office by October 1, 2025. (F5)

R20

The Board of Supervisors approve and allocate funding, effective July 1, 2026, for the following additional full-time permanent positions at the Conflict Counsel’s Office, and direct the Human Resources Department to begin recruitment by July 1, 2026, to fill these positions: ● 4 Analysts ● 1 Investigator (F17, F18, F20) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding; in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Humboldt County Public Defender (All findings, all recommendations) The Humboldt County Human Resources Department (F14) and (R14) The Humboldt County Department of Public Works (F5) and (R2, R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F6

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: There is a sign with political content in the Public Defender’s Conference Room. This is a violation of the Humboldt County Policy. (R4)

Related Recommendations (1)

R4

The Board of Supervisors direct the Public Defender to remove the sign in the Public Defender’s Conference Room that has political content be permanently removed by no later than October 1, 2025. (F6)

F7

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: Low, non-competitive wages adversely affect recruitment and retention of attorneys in both the Public Defender’s Office and the Conflict Counsel’s Office. (R5)

Related Recommendations (1)

R5

The Board of Supervisors approve and fund a graduated pay scale increase over a six-year period for Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ attorney staff. Raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $5,575 per month and proportionally for all other grades and steps. This is to be implemented no later than July 1, 2026. Thereafter, by no later than July 1, 2031, raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $6,500 per month and proportionally for all other grades. (F7, F17, F18, F19, F20)

F8

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: District Attorney’s Office support staff and investigators are paid far more than their counterparts at the Public Defender's Office and Conflict Counsel's Office. This lack of parity in pay disadvantages the Public Defender’s Office in recruiting and retaining staff, and adversely affects staff morale. (R6, R7)

Related Recommendations (2)

R6

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to reclassify the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ Legal Secretaries to Administrative Analysts to be comparable to the District Attorney’s Office where they are classified as Analysts, effective no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R7

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to set the pay scale of the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ investigators to be in parity with that of investigators employed by the District Attorney no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

F9

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: District Attorney’s Office support staff and investigators are paid far more than their counterparts at the Public Defender's Office and Conflict Counsel's Office. This gives an unfair advantage to the District Attorney’s Office in terms of the resources available to attorneys and staff to do their job. (R6, R7)

Related Recommendations (2)

R6

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to reclassify the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ Legal Secretaries to Administrative Analysts to be comparable to the District Attorney’s Office where they are classified as Analysts, effective no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R7

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to set the pay scale of the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ investigators to be in parity with that of investigators employed by the District Attorney no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

F10

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: Investigators in both the Public Defender’s and Conflict Counsel’s offices do not have a video camera or dashcams to document their work. This reduces effective surveillance, is insufficient and unsafe. (R8, R9)

Related Recommendations (2)

R8

The Board of Supervisors direct the Public Defender to purchase one video camera and portable dashcam for use by investigators by October 1, 2025. (F10)

R9

The Board of Supervisors direct the Public Defender to purchase one video camera and portable dashcam for use by Conflict Counsel’s Office investigators by October 1, 2025. (F10)

F11

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: There is little to no training for newly hired attorneys and investigators in the Public Defender’s Office. This is an ineffective way to familiarize them with office, investigative and court procedures and practices. (R10)

Related Recommendations (1)

R10

The Public Defender write and implement a training policy and materials for newly hired attorneys and investigators by January 1, 2026. (F11)

F12

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: There is little supervision, oversight or management of investigators and their cases in the Public Defender’s Office. This causes inefficiencies and morale issues. (R11)

Related Recommendations (1)

R11

The Board of Supervisors direct the Public Defender to create and implement a plan to coordinate management of investigations, and to provide supervision and oversight to investigators by December 1, 2025. (F12)

F13

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: There is no permanent Social Worker position funded at either the Public Defender’s Office or Conflict Counsel’s Office. Funding is being diverted from other office budgets to temporarily fund these positions. This reduces the ability of both offices to meet all of their financial needs. (R12, R13)

Related Recommendations (2)

R12

The Board of Supervisors authorizes funding to support the addition of a permanent, full- time Social Worker position at the Public Defender’s Office effective July 1, 2026. (F13)

R13

The Board of Supervisors authorizes funding to support the addition of a permanent, full- time Social Worker position at the Conflict Counsel’s Office effective July 1, 2026. (F13)

F14

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: The Humboldt County Human Resources hiring application, review and selection process can take many months, which leads some applicants giving up and looking elsewhere. This negatively impacts the Public Defender’s ability to fill positions, to be a competitive employer, and it burdens staff with more work covering cases until vacant positions can be filled. (R14)

Related Recommendations (2)

R14

The Board of Supervisors direct Humboldt County Human Resources to establish a policy that applicant processing for non-management positions will be completed within six weeks. This is (F14)

R20

The Board of Supervisors approve and allocate funding, effective July 1, 2026, for the following additional full-time permanent positions at the Conflict Counsel’s Office, and direct the Human Resources Department to begin recruitment by July 1, 2026, to fill these positions: ● 4 Analysts ● 1 Investigator (F17, F18, F20) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding; in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Humboldt County Public Defender (All findings, all recommendations) The Humboldt County Human Resources Department (F14) and (R14) The Humboldt County Department of Public Works (F5) and (R2, R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F15

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: There is no Policy and Procedures Manual for either the Public Defender’s Office or the Conflict Counsel’s Office. This impedes guidance to staff and continuity of services. (R15)

Related Recommendations (1)

R15

The Board of Supervisors direct the Public Defender to create and implement a comprehensive Policy and Procedures Manual for use by the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Office by May 1, 2026. (F15)

F16

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: Staff Performance Reviews for the Public Defender’s Office attorneys, investigators and some support staff are not conducted with any regularity. This deprives staff of feedback, guidance, confirmation, commendation, and it denies them the documentation necessary to support recommendations for promotion, non-promotion or termination. (R16)

Related Recommendations (1)

R16

The Board of Supervisors direct the Public Defender to create, implement and maintain a periodic Performance Review plan for all staff by December 1, 2025. (F16)

F17

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury finds that: Caseloads in both the Public Defender’s Office and Conflict Counsel’s Office are dangerously high, exceeding recommended levels. This overburdens staff, causes occupational stress and increases the chances that the offices will lose valuable, experienced staff to burnout and addiction. (R5, R6, R7, R17, R18, R19, R20)

Related Recommendations (6)

R5

The Board of Supervisors approve and fund a graduated pay scale increase over a six-year period for Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ attorney staff. Raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $5,575 per month and proportionally for all other grades and steps. This is to be implemented no later than July 1, 2026. Thereafter, by no later than July 1, 2031, raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $6,500 per month and proportionally for all other grades. (F7, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R6

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to reclassify the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ Legal Secretaries to Administrative Analysts to be comparable to the District Attorney’s Office where they are classified as Analysts, effective no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R7

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to set the pay scale of the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ investigators to be in parity with that of investigators employed by the District Attorney no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R17

The Board of Supervisors approve a policy permitting Emotional Support dogs in the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices until the County makes proactive counseling to prevent burnout and other stress relief available. This is to be completed by October 31, 2025. (F17)

R18

The Board of Supervisors direct the Public Defender write and implement policies on the introduction of Emotional Support dogs until the County makes proactive counseling to prevent burnout and other stress relief available. This is to be completed by October 31, 2025. (F17)

R20

The Board of Supervisors approve and allocate funding, effective July 1, 2026, for the following additional full-time permanent positions at the Conflict Counsel’s Office, and direct the Human Resources Department to begin recruitment by July 1, 2026, to fill these positions: ● 4 Analysts ● 1 Investigator (F17, F18, F20) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding; in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Humboldt County Public Defender (All findings, all recommendations) The Humboldt County Human Resources Department (F14) and (R14) The Humboldt County Department of Public Works (F5) and (R2, R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F18

Caseloads in both the Public Defender’s Office and Conflict Counsel’s Office are dangerously high, exceeding recommended levels. This puts justice, fairness, adequacy of representation and freedom at risk. (R5, R6, R7, R19, R20)

Related Recommendations (4)

R5

The Board of Supervisors approve and fund a graduated pay scale increase over a six-year period for Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ attorney staff. Raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $5,575 per month and proportionally for all other grades and steps. This is to be implemented no later than July 1, 2026. Thereafter, by no later than July 1, 2031, raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $6,500 per month and proportionally for all other grades. (F7, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R6

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to reclassify the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ Legal Secretaries to Administrative Analysts to be comparable to the District Attorney’s Office where they are classified as Analysts, effective no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R7

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to set the pay scale of the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ investigators to be in parity with that of investigators employed by the District Attorney no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R20

The Board of Supervisors approve and allocate funding, effective July 1, 2026, for the following additional full-time permanent positions at the Conflict Counsel’s Office, and direct the Human Resources Department to begin recruitment by July 1, 2026, to fill these positions: ● 4 Analysts ● 1 Investigator (F17, F18, F20) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding; in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Humboldt County Public Defender (All findings, all recommendations) The Humboldt County Human Resources Department (F14) and (R14) The Humboldt County Department of Public Works (F5) and (R2, R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F19

There is not enough Public Defender’s Office staff to effectively defend clients. This increases caseload ratios and contributes to staff burnout and lower retention rates. (R5, R6, R7,

Related Recommendations (4)

R5

The Board of Supervisors approve and fund a graduated pay scale increase over a six-year period for Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ attorney staff. Raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $5,575 per month and proportionally for all other grades and steps. This is to be implemented no later than July 1, 2026. Thereafter, by no later than July 1, 2031, raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $6,500 per month and proportionally for all other grades. (F7, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R6

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to reclassify the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ Legal Secretaries to Administrative Analysts to be comparable to the District Attorney’s Office where they are classified as Analysts, effective no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R7

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to set the pay scale of the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ investigators to be in parity with that of investigators employed by the District Attorney no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R19

The Board of Supervisors approve and allocate funding effective July 1, 2026, for the following additional full-time permanent positions at the Public Defender’s Office, and direct Human Resources to begin recruitment by July 1, 2026, to fill these positions: ● 3 Attorneys (to achieve parity with the District Attorney’s Office) ● 5 Full-Time Analysts ● 1 Part-Time Analyst ● 3 Investigators ( F17, F18, F19)

F20

There is not enough Conflict Counsel’s Office staff to effectively defend clients. This increases caseloads and adds to staff burnout. (R5, R6, R7, R20)

Related Recommendations (4)

R5

The Board of Supervisors approve and fund a graduated pay scale increase over a six-year period for Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ attorney staff. Raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $5,575 per month and proportionally for all other grades and steps. This is to be implemented no later than July 1, 2026. Thereafter, by no later than July 1, 2031, raise the pay scale, at a minimum, for Attorney I (step 1) to $6,500 per month and proportionally for all other grades. (F7, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R6

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to reclassify the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ Legal Secretaries to Administrative Analysts to be comparable to the District Attorney’s Office where they are classified as Analysts, effective no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R7

The Board of Supervisors approve and budget funds to set the pay scale of the Public Defender and Conflict Counsel’s Offices’ investigators to be in parity with that of investigators employed by the District Attorney no later than July 1, 2026. (F8, F9, F17, F18, F19, F20)

R20

The Board of Supervisors approve and allocate funding, effective July 1, 2026, for the following additional full-time permanent positions at the Conflict Counsel’s Office, and direct the Human Resources Department to begin recruitment by July 1, 2026, to fill these positions: ● 4 Analysts ● 1 Investigator (F17, F18, F20) RESPONSES Pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each entity or individual named below must respond to the enumerated Findings and Recommendations within specific statutory guidelines. Responses to Findings shall be either: ● The respondent agrees with the finding; or ● The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding; in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. Responses to Recommendations shall be one of the following: ● The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action; or ● The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a time frame for implementation; or ● The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency where applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of the publication of the Grand Jury report; or ● The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. REQUIRED RESPONSE – WITHIN 90 DAYS The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (All findings, all recommendations) Invited Responses The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury also invites the following entities or individuals to respond. The Humboldt County Public Defender (All findings, all recommendations) The Humboldt County Human Resources Department (F14) and (R14) The Humboldt County Department of Public Works (F5) and (R2, R3) Responses are to be sent to: The Honorable Judge Kelly L. Neel Humboldt County Superior Court 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury PO Box 657; Eureka, CA 95502 A Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

Findings and Recommendations 20 findings

Conclusions 1

No Responses Found 3