(The Center Square) – The Washington Supreme Court is considering dramatic changes to standards that impact caseloads for public defenders.
For years, trial courts have been overwhelmed trying to handle cases both from the prosecutorial side and public defense.
During a Wednesday hearing in Olympia, those for and against new standards for public defenders in caseload volume made arguments before the high court’s justices.
Terra Nevitt, executive director of the Washington State Bar Association, told the court low pay is one of the main reasons for turnover among public defenders.
“High caseloads and low compensation leads to burnout, which in turn leads to attrition, which then leads to higher caseloads and the cycle continues,” she explained. “As of July 2024, there were 26,395 attorneys licensed to practice in the state.”
Steve Strachan, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, told The Center Square that WSBA recommendations to the court are dangerous.