Agenda Future of Public Defense 7.8.2024
Future of Public Defense - Proposed New Caseload Standards
7-8-2024
• Current Caseload Standards
o Washington’s recommended new standards:
150 to 47 for felony cases
400 (300 if case weighted) to 120 misdemeanor cases
Case Credits in place of unit structure
The new standards are recommended to be phased in beginning in 2025
• Washington State Association of Counties
o Funding by the WA State Office of Public Defense
o Litigation
• Proposed Caseload Standards
o Projected Financial Impact
o Projected Attorneys Needed to Meet Caseload Standards
o Current Contract Structure Vs. Future
• Future Impacts in Justice System
o Sheriff/Jail
o Prosecutor
o Superior and District Courts
o Public Defense Attorneys
• Next Steps
Written Comments and Hearings: Comments on the standards must be submitted to the
Clerk of the Supreme Court no later than October 31st, 2024.
P.O. Box 40929
Olympia, WA 98504-0929
or email supreme@courts.wa.gov