Title
a. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Taylor & Dolowich, A Professional Law Corporation for legal representation in indigent adult criminal cases for the Alternate Defender Office (ADO), with a term of September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of $87,500; and
b. Approve non-standard insurance provisions in the PSA as recommended by the Public Defender.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Taylor & Dolowich, A Professional Law Corporation for legal representation in indigent adult criminal cases for the Alternate Defender Office (ADO), with a term of September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of $87,500; and
b. Approve non-standard insurance provisions in the Standard Agreement as recommended by the Public Defender
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Monterey County fulfills its constitutional obligation to provide legal representation for indigent persons accused of criminal violations-and in certain civil proceedings (juvenile, mental health, truancy, sexually violent predator prosecutions)-through the Alternate Defender Office (ADO) when the Public Defender has a disabling conflict of interest. The Monterey County ADO considers it essential to assign qualified trial counsel to represent indigent defendants, juvenile offenders, and other parties in cases where the Monterey County Public Defender has declared a conflict of interest, resulting in the ADO’s appointment as counsel.
In order to fulfill the County’s constitutional obligation and ensure provision of appropriate legal representation for indigent persons accused of criminal violations, the Public Defender recommends that the Board approve the PSA with Taylor & Dolowich, A Professional Law Corporation for criminal defense services for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.
Language has been included in the PSA to ensure that legal services are provided in compliance with ADO policies regarding legal representation and procedures.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to legal form and fiscal provisions respectively. Risk Management has reviewed and approved as to County risk. CAO has not reviewed due to late routing.
FINANCING:
Funding for the agreement is included in the FY 2026-27 recommended budget, Fund 1001-Public Defender PUB - Department 227001-Legal Services. Approval of the recommended action will have no additional impact on the County General Fund.
The annual compensation for the agreement is funded through Fund 1001-Public Defender PUB - Department 227001-Legal Services, as follows:
Contractor Maximum Annual Amount Case Type
Taylor & Dolowich,
A Professional Law Corporation $87,500 Misdemeanors
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
PUBLIC SAFETY: The ADO strives to protect the constitutional rights of the indigent by providing them quality representation in a society free and safe from unlawful State interference by vigorously defending individual rights where the Public Defender has a conflict of interest. Acceptance of the recommendations ensures the continuation of criminal defense services to the indigent.
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X Public Safety
Prepared by: Amy Esquivel, Management Analyst II, x6054
Approved by: Ray Buenaventura, Public Defender, x5806
Attachments: Attachment A: Professional Services Agreement with Taylor & Dolowich, A Professional Law Corporation