672EBC14B0F3E743872584EF00645D20 Hearing Summary

Megan Ring, Colorado State Public Defender, made introductory remarks and distributed three documents to the committee:  annual hearing materials (Attachment E); performance plan (Attachment F); and a report prepared by the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety regarding case filings (Attachment G).  Karen Turner, First Assistant State Public Defender, and Maureen Cain, director of Legislative Policy and Organization Communication, joined Ms. Ring at the table.  Ms. Ring discussed the budget request for additional staff and pay increases.  The committee asked questions about average salaries and discussed salary differences between public defenders and district attorneys.  Ms. Ring also discussed recruiting efforts.  She answered questions from the committee about juveniles and diversion programs. 

Committee members inquired about the need for more attorneys and supporting data.