Receive and Discuss Updates Regarding Public Defender Services Including Regarding Indigent Defense Funding, the Public Defender Pilot Program, CARE Court, and Public Defender Tiers 1 through 3
REGULAR AGENDA
Indigent Defense Funding. At the Committee’s prior meeting, County Counsel Gregory Priamos provided an update regarding $1,702,055 in State funding allocated to San Benito County to support start-up and implementation costs associated with improving the County’s indigent defense system. The funding is intended to support improvements in the provision of indigent defense services, including development of an institutional public defender office, regional public defender model, or structured managed assigned counsel system. The County is required to submit a proposed budget and implementation plan demonstrating that proposed expenditures are consistent with the allowable uses of the funding. Since the prior meeting, Mr. Priamos has continued to meet with various stakeholders, including the County Executive Officer, Probation Department, District Attorney’s Office, Superior Court, and the County’s contracted Public Defenders, regarding the prospective funding and its potential implementation.
Financial Eligibility and Complaint Forms. At the prior meeting, the Committee directed that the financial eligibility form and complaint form be brought forward to a contractor supporting the County in connection with the indigent defense funding. Those matters remain pending and are anticipated to be addressed as part of the implementation of the funding.
Public Defender Pilot Program. Contracted Public Defender Monique Hill has reported that, following an automobile accident involving a semi-truck, she is currently unable to travel or make court appearances. Ms. Hill has indicated that she will continue to assist with the Pilot Program by preparing petitions while she is unable to appear in court.
CARE Court Funding. At the Committee’s prior meeting, the Committee recommended that the Board of Supervisors authorize the County’s continued participation in the CARE Court Funding Program and acceptance of the extended funding allocation for Public Defender representation and related CARE Act services. The Board subsequently approved continued CARE Court participation and funding, and the County received the CARE Court funds on September 11, 2026. The funding will support the County’s CARE Court caseload and related Public Defender services. The County had previously identified potential CARE Act matters requiring Public Defender representation, and additional matters may be filed during the extended funding period.
Public Defender Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Public Defender Tiers 1, 2, and 3, will have an opportunity to update the Committee, including regarding current caseloads, services, and other matters related to the County’s contracted public defender programs.