F5EEAB67FBE853898725866B00766301 Hearing Summary

Megan Ring, Colorado State Public Defender, presented an overview of the Office of the State Public Defender, including its statutory responsbilities, budget, and caseload. 

Karen Taylor,  First Assistant State Public Defender, answered questions about appellate trials and the criminal jury trial backlog. 

Maureen Cain, Director of Legislative Policy and Organizational Communication, discussed performance measurements and involvement of the office across the criminal justice system. 

Discussion ensued about competency to proceed, mental health, substance abuse, the pandemic, and the impacts on the legal system. 

Questions were raised about speedy trials and statutory changes, as proposed by the Judicial Branch.  Discussion followed about other ways to resolve cases and address the backlog short of a statutory change.  Constitutional issues were also mentioned in the speedy trial discussion. 

The Office of the State Public Defender SMART Act presentation can be found in Attachment F.