This proposed amendment to the King County Charter concerns the creation of a county department of public defense within the county’s executive branch.  Historically public defense counsel has been provided by non-profit corporations who provided the services to clients through contracts paid by King County.  This charter amendment is part of a process of moving the contractors to the county as county employees.  This move follows a class action lawsuit in which the court ruled that the nonprofit employees were legally entitled to certain county benefits.

Under the proposed charter amendment, the department of public defense would be an executive branch department and would be responsible for providing counsel and representation to indigent individuals to the extent required under the State and Federal Constitutions.  The department would also be responsible for fostering and promoting system improvements, efficiencies, access to justice, and equity in the criminal justice system. 

The department would be managed by the county public defender, who would be appointed by the county executive from a list of candidates recommended by the public defense advisory board (described below).  The executive’s appointment would be subject to confirmation by the county council.  The county public defender would serve a four-year term and would be eligible for re-appointment to additional terms. 

The proposed charter amendment would also establish a public defense advisory board to review, advise and report on the department and on matters of equity and social justice.  Membership on the board and the process for appointment would be prescribed by the county council by ordinance.

For additional questions regarding this measure contact: Amy Tsai - Legislative Analyst 206-477-0893 • amy.tsai@kingcounty.gov