Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE County Attorney to develop and execute, on behalf of the County, a new agreement with the McLawrence Law Firm, in a cumulative amount not exceeding $18,000 per year, and a term of up to five years, for legal representation of indigent individuals arrested for County Ordinance violations punishable by jail time.
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Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required to authorize the County Attorney to execute a contract on behalf of the County.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the County to meet its obligation to provide for the defense of indigent individuals arrested for County Ordinance violations punishable by jail time.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
The County is responsible for funding the prosecution of violations of County Ordinances punishable by jail time, as well as the defense of indigent individuals arrested for violating such County Ordinances. If the individuals are arrested for violating state law as well, the County is not responsible for providing representation. Violations of certain County Ordinances may result in up to 60 days in jail. The Office of the County Attorney is not able to represent these defendants because of potential conflicts of interest.
The County has contracted with the McLawrence Law Firm since 2017 to provide representation to these indigent individuals. The financial terms of the proposed new agreement have been revised from the current agreement to reflect a case load shift since the pandemic. The McLawrence Law Firm will receive $500 per case, up to a maximum of $1,500 a month, regardless of how many cases are handled in a month. Under the current agreement, the firm receives a flat rate of $1,250 per month.
Source of Additional Information
Adam M. Katzman, Senior Assistant County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Up to $18,000 annually, and up to $90,000 if the contract remains in effect for the full five-year term.