Title
a. Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent or designee to execute Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Roland L. Soltesz for legal representation in indigent adult criminal cases for the Alternate Defender Office (ADO), with a term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of $155,000; 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 Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Roland L. Soltesz for legal representation in indigent adult criminal cases for the Alternate Defender Office (ADO), with a term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of $155,000; 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 Roland L. Soltesz for criminal defense services for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27.
Language has been included in the PSA to ensure that legal services are provided in compliance wi...
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