Utah Gov. Gary Herbert proposes big boost for public defender system

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert wants to set aside an extra $5 million next year to ensure Utahns' right to an attorney even if they can't afford one.

The potential boost to Utah's public defender system is "really a measured, calculated amount we need in this third year," said Joanna Landau, director of the Indigent Defense Commission.

The governor's proposal, part of a larger budget plan he unveiled earlier this month, would expand the commission's bandwidth by about four times. Its current ongoing yearly budget is $1.3 million.

The group was created two years ago and works with several Utah cities and counties to help provide attorneys to those who can't afford them. It also offers training and other resources.

Read more: https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900048394/utah-gov-gary-herbert-proposes-big-boost-for-public-defender-system.html