Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
Title
Motion 26-280, approving contract with Obsidian Law Offices to provide indigent services for the period from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028
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DEPARTMENT: Office of Public Defense
ORIGINATOR: Jason Schwarz
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Approved by Alessandra Szebenyi - 7//10/2026
PURPOSE: To provide mandated criminal legal defense services in cases that are a conflict of interest to the County’s contract with the Public Defender Association (PDA) for the period from July 1st , 2026 to December 31, 2028, and to provide statutorily provided legal services for other cases where the right to counsel attaches, including Civil protection orders, Child Dependency cases, Minor and Vulnerable Adult Guardianships, No Contact Order Representation, and Contempt cases.
BACKGROUND: This contract covers cases that are a conflict of interest to the PDA. The case types covered under this contract can include as noted on the contract Misdemeanors, Class, A, B, and C Felony cases, Expedited Felonies, Juvenile criminal charges, Miscellaneous Superior court case types, RALJ (appeals from District court to Superior court), Civil protection orders, Child Dependency cases, Minor and Vulnerable Adult Guardianships, No Contact Order Representation, and Contempt cases. $250,000 is the NTE amount for 2026 as the case type, duration, and other factors affecting caseloads are unknown at this time. These factors emerge throughout the year and OPD will manage contracts with these attorneys as needed.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
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EXPEND: FUND, AGY, ORG, ACTY, OBJ, AU |
CURRENT YR |
2ND YR |
1ST 6 YRS |
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Various |
$250,000 |
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TOTAL |
$250,000 |
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REVENUE: FUND, AGY, ORG, REV, SOURCE |
CURRENT YR |
2ND YR |
1ST 6 YRS |
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TOTAL |
$0 |
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DEPARTMENT FISCAL IMPACT NOTES: Click or tap here to enter text.
CONTRACT INFORMATION:
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ORIGINAL |
x |
CONTRACT# |
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AMOUNT |
$250,000 |
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AMENDMENT |
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CONTRACT# |
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AMOUNT |
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Contract Period
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ORIGINAL |
START |
07/01/2026 |
END |
12/31/2028 |
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AMENDMENT |
START |
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END |
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OTHER DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW/COMMENTS: Reviewed/approved by Risk Management (Stephanie Rosseau 7/10/2026) and Finance (Nathan Kennedy 7/10/2026)