Memorandum
Date: May 23, 2023
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Susan Parker, County Administrative Officer
Subject: 3:30 P.M. - Presentation and Discussion of a Draft Public Defender Services Program and Implementation Plan
Executive Summary:
On February 14, 2023, Administration Office and County Counsel presented the Organizational Analysis of Indigent Services Report entitled “The Right to Counsel in Lake County, California.” Also presented were recommended initial steps in the County’s Review of the provision of legal services for indigent criminal defendants including the following: 1) reconstitute the Public Defender Advisory Committee, 2) initiate and develop community-based approach to criminal defense services, 3) retain the services of a former public defender, and 4) continue to pursue grant funding.
The County retained the services of Jose H. Varela, retired Marin County Public Defender, to provide assistance to explore a Public Defender Service Program that matches the needs and capacity of Lake County. On March 21, 2023, Mr. Varela presented information regarding the provision of Public Defender services and structuring and organization of a Public Defender
Services Program.
As a follow-up to that presentation, Mr. Varela will present a draft Public Defender Program
Workplan and Phased Implementation Steps. This draft workplan has been developed to be adjusted as needed to address the specific needs and capacity of Lake County.
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Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
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Recommended Action: Presentation Only.