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Public Defense Advisory Board

The King County Public Defense Advisory Board was established by county Ordinance 17678. Its mission is to review the activities and plans of the Department of Public Defense, advocate for high-quality public defense, play a significant role in the selection of the public defender when the office is vacant and advise the executive and council on matters of equity and social justice related to public defense. The board issues two written reports annually – one reviewing the executive’s proposed budget for public defense and the other on the state of public defense in King County.

See the current list of board members.

 

More information about the PDAB

The Public Defense Advisory Board meets at least once every two months, sometimes more frequently when needed. Agendas for meetings will be posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting time and date. 

The next PDAB meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Dec. 19, in Conference Room 245 at the Dexter Horton Building, 710 2nd Ave, Seattle. The agenda will be posted at least 24 hours before the meeting. 

2018 meetings: Agendas and minutes

2017 meetings: Agendas and minutes

2016 meetings: Agendas and minutes

  • Feb. 4, 2016: Agenda
  • March 3, 2016: Agenda
  • May 5, 2016: Agenda, Meeting Minutes
  • Sept. 1, 2016: Agenda

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    2015 meetings: Agendas and minutes

  • Jan. 8, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Feb. 5, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • April 2, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • June 4, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Aug. 6, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Aug. 20, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Oct. 1, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Nov. 5, 2015: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Dec. 9, 2015: Agenda

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    2014 meetings: Agendas and minutes

  • August 12, 2014: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • August 28, 2014: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • September 11, 2014: Agenda, Approved Minutes 
  • September 30, 2014: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Oct. 16, 2014: Agenda, Approved Minutes 
  • Oct. 31, 2014: Agenda
  • Nov. 20, 2014: Agenda, Approved Minutes
  • Dec. 18, 2014: Agenda, Approved Minutes

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    The Public Defense Advisory Board issues two reports a year -- one that analyzes the state of public defense in King County and another that reviews the executive's proposed budget for public defense. Please find links to the reports below.

    Public Defense Advisory Board Annual Report

    Public Defense Advisory Board Annual Report, 2017

    The State of King County Public Defense, 2016

    The State of King County Public Defense, 2015

    Budget Reports

    Budget Report of King County Public Defense Advisory Board, Oct. 11, 2015

    Budget Report of King County Public Defense Advisory Board, Oct. 31, 2014

     

     

     

    Board members are expected to have substantial experience and expertise relevant to the work of public defense, to reflect the diversity of the county to the extent practicable, and to act as representatives from the following organizations or associations:

    1. The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers;
    2. The Washington state Office of Public Defense;
    3. The Washington Defender Association;
    4. The King County Bar Association;
    5. A bar association identified as a minority bar association by the Washington State Bar Association;
    6. A nonpartisan organization active in King County that focuses on mental health issues;
    7. A nonpartisan organization active in King County that focuses on substance abuse issues;
    8. A nonpartisan organization active in King County that focuses on issues concerning military veterans;
    9. A nonpartisan organization active in King County that focuses on issues related to poverty;
    10. A nonpartisan organization active in King County that focuses on juvenile justice issues; and
    11. A nonpartisan organization active in King County that focuses on immigration issues.

    Board members serve staggered three-year terms. The county council may reappoint board members to additional three-year terms.

    How to become a member

    Board members must have substantial experience relevant to the work of public defense and be able to commit the time necessary to attend meetings and participate effectively as a member. While serving on the board, members may not hold elective public office except precinct committee officer, serve as a King County judicial officer, a King County prosecuting attorney or a King County public defender or be an employee of a King County court. Only organizations or associations that meet the criteria listed above can submit candidates for the advisory board.

    Organizations

    Organizations that meet the criteria listed above shall submit three names. The submittal must include an application, resume, and all other written materials the organization considered in deciding to recommend the candidate for each candidate. Go here to download the application. Or click here for a PDF version of the application.

    Individuals

    Individuals who would like to serve on the advisory board can indicate their interest in one of two ways:

    • Contact an organization that fits the criteria listed above and let that organization know of your willingness and ability to represent its interests, or
    • Contact Gail Stone, Executive Constantine’s law and justice policy advisor, at gail.stone@kingcounty.gov or (206)263-9652, or Melani Pedroza, clerk of the County Council, at melani.pedroza@kingcounty.gov or (206)477-1025.