Caseload increases for public defenders

December 02, 2008 08:06 pm

— JEFFERSON — The Ashtabula County Public Defender Office has seen a notable increase in its caseload over the past two years, prompting the need for additional operational funds for 2008.
The Ashtabula County commissioners approved an additional $60,000 Tuesday to the public defender office.
The poor economy is cited as the reason for the increased caseload. Since December 2006, the office’s caseload has increased by 9 percent, said public defender Marie Lane. The nature of the cases also has changed dramatically, which requires more time to prepare cases.
“We’re seeing a lot more murders and violent crimes,” she said. “Due to the percentage increase and the nature of the cases, (additional funds are needed).”
Lane attributes the workload increase to the economy. When times are hard, crime goes up, she said.
“When people are losing their jobs and having their homes foreclosed on, they take drastic measures to survive economically,” she said. “Robberies are going up, thefts are going up, forgeries are going up.”
Lane also said the use of drugs is also a factor. When drugs are involved, crime generally increases, she said.
“Things people would never do sober — under the influence of methamphetamine, now they’re robbing a Circle K,” she said.
County Commissioner Daniel Claypool said adding funds to the office was unanticipated. County budget analyst Jim Hardin said there is a larger number of defendants declaring themselves indigent.
“As times get tougher, crime gets worse,” he said.
The county receives a subsidy monthly from the Ohio Public Defender Office. In 2009, that reimbursement is slated to increase from 25 percent to 27 percent, Lane said.