CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

June 11, 2008

Administrative Center Room 3220

11:30 a.m.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 11:35 a.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment. 

CASE PROCESSING – EFFICIENCY

Tim Gruenke distributed a chart showing the number of reports and declines from each law enforcement agency from 1-1-08 to 6-10-08.  It also showed felony cases charged, misdemeanor cases charged, traffic, ordinances, and how many are diverted.  Reports included everything from request for warrants, someone jailed, signature bond and tickets.  There was much discussion regarding how current case processing could become more efficient and attempt to resolve cases more quickly, thus saving the county money in court appointed attorney fees.

Suggestions:  1.)  Arrange to contract with an attorney in town to have available at the pretrial conferences for those who do not have representation. 2.)  This will be brought up with the five judges, and also with the local bar.  3.)  Over the next couple of weeks, we should keep track of how many people do request an attorney

A question came up regarding ethics.  A person charged with a crime presents at the District Attorney’s  Office for the pre-trial meeting without an attorney.  The DA is prepared to make an offer of  an ordinance violation but the person says he or she wants an attorney.  Is there an ethical way for the DA’s Office to give the defendant the plea offer and report it to the courts?

Another idea – in the pretrial order, the DA office’s is ordered to provide in writing the offer to the defendant at the beginning of the pretrial conference (if you have one).  That way, you’re ordered to present this before you ask if they want a lawyer. 

Tim will check into the ethical question if you’re going to comply with the judge’s order that says if you’re going to make an offer, make it in writing and take it to their attorney. 

On certain occasions, in the D.A.’s office gives a person an offer in writing, tells them that their pretrial is continued to the following week, and to take the offer to their attorney. This is already done some instances, but this could be made a policy.  

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 9, 2008 MINUTES OF THE CJMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MOTION by Montabon/Perlich to approve the April 9, 2008 minutes of the CJMC Executive Committee carried unanimously. (Helgeson, Hammes, Doyle excused)

LANGUAGE USED BY THE COURTS IN REFERRALS/TYPES OF REFERRALS TO JUSTICE SANCTIONS

Jane asked for clarification and consistency in the language used in the courts for referrals to Justice Sanctions.   Jane distributed a sheet listing the types of referrals that JS receives. 

Judge Levine suggested doing some sort of a checklist for the judges.  Jane will make a list of terms and present to judges, and possibly create a checklist for them to use.  An inservice for the judges was recommended so they are consistent in their terminology.  

ADJOURN

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Next Meeting Date: July 9^th at 11:30 a.m. in Room 3220.

The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next Council meeting.

Recorded by Terri Pavlic