Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Legal Services Agreement with Model Cities Legal Services, Inc. to Provide Legal Representation as Court-Appointed Counsel to Indigent Defendants ($210,000.00)
Memorandum
The 15th Judicial District Court is required by law to appoint attorneys to represent indigent defendants when potential sanctions (including sanctions for violations of court orders) upon conviction may include incarceration.
Model Cities Legal Services, Inc. currently provides these services at a rate that is less than the prevailing local rate for criminal defense counsel services and has provided these services to the Court for several years.
The Court requests that the Ann Arbor City Council approve a professional legal services agreement with Model Cities Legal Services, Inc. to provide legal representation to indigent persons charged with misdemeanor offenses in the 15th Judicial District Court.
The Court has budgeted funds for this purpose in the amount of Two Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($210,000). However, current projections based on increasing services needs attributable to the Court's Domestic Violence Court, Street Outreach Court and Sobriety Court dockets may require additional funds be approved by budget transfer during the term of the contract to meet the City's statutory obligation to provide court-appointed representation. Should this be necessary an amendment to the contract to cover these additional services will be presented to Council at a future date.
Human Rights and Living Wage approval was received on May 22, 2008.
Staff
Prepared by: Keith Zeisloft, Court Administrator, 15th Judicial District Court
Approved by: Roger Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Persons charged with misdemeanor violations for which incarceration may be imposed are entitled to legal representation;
Whereas, Persons who are determined by the 15th Judicial District Court to be indigent have the right to have counsel appointed by the ...
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