File #: 2002-0266    Version:
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 6/17/2002 In control: Law, Justice and Human Services Committee
On agenda: Final action: 7/8/2002
Enactment date: 7/17/2002 Enactment #: 14412
Title: AN ORDINANCE reorganizing the office of public defense; creating a public defender; amending Ordinance 383, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.60.020 and adding new sections to K.C.C. 2.60.
Sponsors: Larry Gossett
Indexes: Public Defense, Reorganization
Code sections: 2.60 - , 2.60.020 -
Attachments: 1. Ordinance 14412.pdf, 2. 2002-0266 Staff Report for 06-20-02 LJHS.doc, 3. 2002-0266 Transmittal Letter.doc, 4. None
Staff: Curry, Clifton
Drafter
Clerk 06/07/2002
title
AN ORDINANCE reorganizing the office of public defense; creating a public defender; amending Ordinance 383, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.60.020 and adding new sections to K.C.C. 2.60.
body
      BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
      SECTION 1.  Ordinance 383, Section 2, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.60.020 are hereby amended to read as follows:
      Office of the public defender established.  There is hereby established within the department of community and human ((resources)) services the ((public defense program)) office of the public defender.  A((n administrator of the defense program)) public defender shall be appointed by the director of the department of ((human resources director)) community and human services and approved by the county council.  To assist the director in the selection of a ((n administrator)) public defender, there shall be convened an advisory committee, which shall be representative of the criminal justice system and the broader community.
      NEW SECTION.  SECTION 2.  There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 2.60 a new section to read as follows:
      Public defender  established.  There is hereby established a public defender reporting to the director of the department of community and human services.  The public defender shall be a licensed attorney with prior experience in public defense and management.  The director of the department of community and human services shall appoint the public defender from a list of three names submitted by the advisory committee.  The appointment of the public defender is subject to confirmation by the county council.
      NEW SECTION.  SECTION 3.  There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 2.60 a new section to read as follows:  
      Public defender -- duties.  The duties of the public defender shall include the following:
      A.  Manage the office of the public defender;
      B.  Represent the department in all city, county, state and federal forums where the defense perspective is required; and
 
      C.  Develop appropriate standards and guidelines for the qualification and experience level of attorneys and paraprofessionals.