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VIRGINIA - RECOMMENDATIONS ON ADMINISTRATION AND EVALUATION OF THE PILOT PUBLIC DEFENDER PROJECT CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

NCJ Number
39838
Author(s)
S SINGER; J GRAMENOS; N GOLDBERG
Date Published
1974
Length
60 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT, DATED JANUARY 1974, ANALYZES THE VIRGINIA PILOT PUBLIC DEFENDER PROJECT DESIGNED TO REPRESENT INDIGENTS OF THE JUVENILE, MISDEMEANOR, FELONY, AND POST-CONVICTION LEVELS.
Abstract
THE PROJECT HAS PILOT FIELD OFFICES IN WAYNESBORO (VA) AND VIRGINIA BEACH (VA) AND A PROPOSED SITE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY (VA). THE PUBLIC DEFENDER COMMISSION WHOSE FIVE LAWYER MEMBERS ARE IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT SUPPLY A FULL-TIME PUBLIC DEFENDER, A FULL-TIME SECRETARY, AND A FULL-TIME INVESTIGATOR AT EACH OF THE TWO OPERATING OFFICES. FIVE ASSISTANT DEFENDERS ARE PART-TIME AND WORK OUT OF PRIVATE OFFICES. TO ENSURE THAT EACH DEFENDER COVERS HIS CASES IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT EACH OFFICE DEVELOP A CASE DOCKET SYSTEM AND COLLECT DATA ROUTINELY ON STANDARDIZED FORMS. SUGGESTED GENERAL OPERATION IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE THE FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT OF ALL ATTORNEYS WHEN THE GRANT IS RENEWED, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STAFF TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION AND MONEY BOND, AND DEVELOPMENT OF GREATER APPELLATE AND POST-CONVICTION CAPABILITY. METHODS USING STATISTICAL INFORMATION ARE SUGGESTED IN ORDER TO EVALUATE SPEED OF CASE DISPOSITION, QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION, AND RESULTS FOR THE CLIENT. APPENDIXES CONTAIN RECOMMENDED FORMS AND AN ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER FOR THE STATE OF MARYLAND....TWH