Memorandum
Date: September 9, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Ray Buenaventura, Chief Public Defender
Subject: Consideration of Presentation on the Public Defender's Policy on Scheduling and Meeting Sex Offender Clients
Executive Summary:
Purpose: To establish procedures ensuring the safety and comfort of staff, clients, and the public when scheduling meetings with registered sex offenders or those charged with sex offenses.
Registry Check Procedure:
Mandatory Screening: Staff must check clients against the National and State Sex Offender Registry prior to scheduling in-person appointments.
Identification and Documentation: Any client identified as a registered sex offender or has a history of sexual offenses, will have this information securely documented and communicated to staff.
Scheduling and Meeting Procedures:
Prohibited Location: In-office meetings will NOT be conducted at the Lakeport Plaza location for the specified clients.
Approved Meeting Locations: Meetings should be held at the Lake County Courthouse in designated conference rooms or at other approved locations where minors are not present.
Attorney Notification and Case Handling:
Attorneys must be notified of a client's registry status before scheduling meetings. They should arrange alternative meeting locations if uncomfortable.
High-risk meetings may require additional security or virtual options.
Virtual Meetings:
Virtual or phone consultations are encouraged when appropriate.
Compliance and Enforcement:
All staff must adhere to this policy. Violations should be reported immediately, and this policy will be reviewed annually.
Effective Date: January 29, 2025
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X.- and/or Consultant Selection Policy-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
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Consistency with Vision 2028 (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
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Recommended Action: Presentation Only.