Title
a. Approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer or Contracts/Purchasing Supervisor to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Michael Reed for legal representation in indigent juvenile criminal cases in the maximum amount of $34,219 through the Alternate Defenders Office, for the term February 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022;
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Contracts/Purchasing Officer or Contracts/Purchasing Supervisor to execute a Professional Services Agreements for legal representation in indigent juvenile criminal cases in the maximum amount of $34,219 through the Alternate Defenders Office, with effective terms of February 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022;
SUMMARY:
Monterey County has a Constitutional obligation to provide legal presentation for indigent juveniles accused of criminal violations, in which the Monterey County Public Defender has declared a conflict of interest. In these cases, the courts appoint the Monterey County Alternate Defenders Office (ADO) to serve as counsel. Professional Service Agreements with selected attorneys enable Monterey County to meet its constitutional obligations in conflict-of-interest cases.
The Public Defender recommends the Board’s approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Attorney Michael Reed based on the need for ADO attorney services created by the resignation of the current Juvenile Contractor who has given notice to terminate the contract in January. This has created the need to seek out and appoint an additional ADO attorney.
Attorney Michael Reed is willing to provide such services to the County and is deemed qualified to do so by the Public Defender. The Board’s approval of the proposed Agreement will enable the County to meet its constitutional obligation to provide indigent juveniles with legal representation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Contract/Purchasing has reviewed and approved the sole source application as requested by the ADO Co-Chiefs and supported and prepared by the Public Defender.
County Counsel has reviewed the proposed Professional Services Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
The contract with Attorney Michael Reed will be funded through Fund 001-Public Defender PUB001-2270-Budget Unit 8168-Court Assigned Counsel. Funding for the Agreement is included in the FY 2021-2022 Approved Budget. Approval of the recommended action will have no additional impact on the County General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
X Public Safety
PUBLIC SAFETY: The Alternate Defender Office 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.
Prepared by: Laura Henderson, Management Analyst, ext.6054
Approved by: Susan Chapman, Public Defender, ext.5806
Attachments:
Professional Services Agreement with Michael Reed