26-004 Public Defender

Description

CITY OF COMMERCE GEORGIA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR INDIGENT DEFENSE The City of Commerce, Georgia, is requesting proposals from qualified attorneys interested in serving as the Public Defender for the Commerce Municipal Court. 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF SERVICES A. Description: All indigent criminal defendants charged under ordinances of the City who qualify for appointed counsel, may be referred to the Public Defender. The Public Defender will provide legal representation for each of these defendants from court appointment or screening through trial, sentencing, post-conviction review and any appeals. If applicable and/or necessary, the Public Defender will provide criminal defense services at in-custody bail hearings and will be available to talk and meet with indigent defendants in the custody of the City. B. Qualifications: Education and Experience: Minimum qualifications include a Juries Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, license to practice law in the state of Georgia, membership in the Georgia State Bar Associations, and at least 5 years’ experience as a practicing attorney. C. Term: The Public Defender Contract will last for a term of two years, but is subject to reappointment at the will of the City Council of City of Commerce D. Compensations/Hours of Work: The City of Commerce Municipal Court is held at the Commerce Administrative Complex, 110 State Street, Commerce Georgia 30529 every first Tuesday, of each month at 8 am and at 1:00pm. The Public Defender arraignment cases are scheduled once a month. The Public Defender is compensated a flat fee for the month. E. Reporting: The Public Defender shall file monthly reports with the City Clerk delineating each client who has been appointed to the Public Defender, including the name(s), charge(s), citation number(s), disposition, and whether an appeal was filed. The report is due on or before the tenth (10th) day of the following month for services of the prior month. F. Associated Counsel: Any counsel associated with or employed by the Public Defender shall have the authority to perform the services called for herein, and the Public Defender may employ associated counsel to assist at the Public Defender’s expense; however, the associated counsel may only perform services not to exceed 25% of the court sessions for the Public Defender.