Public defender caseload discussed

DAVENPORT - Lincoln County commissioners on Monday, Dec. 15, received an update on public defense services, including caseload pressures, statewide standards and a contract adjustment for the county's public defender.

Public defender Dave Hearrean told commissioners his workload is manageable but requires careful monitoring to remain sustainable. Hearrean said he currently carries 83 cases and is working with judges to resolve certain low-level matters efficiently.

"If I get a case as public defender of the day and it counts as 1.7 of a case, something I can do in one day, the judges and I are trying to work out cases I can do in one day," Hearrean said, adding that resolving smaller cases quickly can reduce scheduling delays.

Hearrean said his goal is to manage his workload in a way that allows him to continue for several more years. "I am trying to do it so I can last about five years," he said.

Lincoln County Commissioner Rob Coffman expressed concern about new statewide public defense caseload standards.

"We could be in a giant mess with these new caseload standards," he said.

Hearrean said access to clients in Lincoln County is far better than in many jurisdictions.

"It is an unbelievable difference between this county and any other county I have been in," he said, noting he can contact clients at the jail without delays.

He said he may need to make adjustments as the Office of Public Defense seeks to increase case weighting, citing a murder case that could be resolved in 2026. Hearrean said the organization wants that case counted as multiple cases rather than one.

"It is going really good and I am enjoying it here," Hearrean said. "This is retirement for me, and you commissioners have taken good care of me and I will do the same."

Commissioners also discussed broader challenges in neighboring counties. Hearrean said all public defenders in Airway Heights practically quit, while Coffman said Spokane County has already implemented the new caseload standards. Commissioners said they were unsure how many public defenders remain in Spokane County.

Commissioner Scott Hutsell said the shortage has affected law enforcement operations there, with officers sometimes needing to determine who would be released from jail before making new arrests.

Hearrean acknowledged the demands of the job, including calls at night or on weekends, but said he enjoys the work.

"A lot of people are not wanting to do the work they should. We are all in this together. Especially in the judicial system," he said.

Commissioner Chairwoman Jo Gilchrist raised the issue of Hearrean's contract and informed him that a revised contract is included in the budget. Commissioners approved a motion to sign the contract outside of the session.

"It takes a special person to do all the district court cases and superior court," Gilchrist said.

Author Bio

Olivia Harnack, Managing Editor

Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.