F8FA6B4C1A726BBD872587D5007EF686 Hearing Summary

Megan Ring, Colorado State Public Defender, Maureen Cain, Director of Legislative Policy and Organizational Communication for the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD), and Matthew Blackmon, Director of Finance for OSPD, appeared before the joint committee pursuant to the SMART Government Act and Joint Rule 25. Ms. Ring discussed trends impacting OSPD, and the office's budget priorities and challenges. Ms. Ring responded to questions regarding the office's request to bolster the number of paralegals it employs, and the need for more interpreters by the office and in the judicial realm in general.

Ms. Ring responded to questions regarding a reduction in caseload for OSPD in recent years, and the number of attorneys employed by the office. Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding the reasons why the caseloads have reduced. James Karbach, Office Head for OSPD, also weighed in on this issue. Discussion ensued regarding resources for pretrial diversion, and communications resources needed within the court system.

The annual hearing document prepared by the OSPD is located here:  http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/final_fy_2022-23_ospd_joint_judiciary_hearing_document_for_jan_25_2022_0.pdf