834BE41A4B10522C87258376006AC539 Hearing Summary

The following individuals appeared before the committee on behalf of the Office of the State Public Defender:  Megan Ring, Colorado State Public Defender; Karen Taylor, First Assistant Public Defender; Maureen Cain, Director of Legislative Policy and Organizational Communication; and, Karen Porter, Chief Financial Officer.   A document entitled Annual Hearing was distributed to the committee (Attachment H).  Ms. Ring provided an overview of the office and the budget request.   Committee members asked question about salaries.  Discussion ensued about the increase in felony case filings, pre-sentencing practices, and bail.  Ms. Cain discussed the number of filing increases for drug-related crimes, including meth and multi-drug, as well as violent crime and aggravated assault, and motor vehicle theft.  The committee discussed related policy choices in these areas. 

There was no public testimony.