SAFFORD — The Graham County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved four more agreements with local attorneys to provide indigent defense, this time for misdemeanor cases in Justice Court.
Supervisor Paul David questioned the need for defense for minor misdemeanors.
“I’d sure to hate to have the county pay $450 to have them represented in a $2 candy bar case,” David said.
However, as explained by court officials, indigent defense is only provided to defendants who financially qualify and are charged with a misdemeanor that could result in jail time upon conviction.
Plus, as Supervisor John Howard said, “This is something that we have an obligation, the state mandates to supply these attorneys to these individuals. It is a big expense for the county but it is state statute.”
All four attorneys — Raymond Geiser, Rebecca Johnson, Josi Lopez and Dennis McCarthy — will receive the same compensation: $800 for DUI cases and $450 for other misdemeanor cases, which is the same compensation as the previous year.
