HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS-1972-029-R-72•
29-R-72
. R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, an Ad Hoc Citizens Committee on the Defense of the
Poor in the Criminal Courts of Evanston prepared a report on June
159 1971, reporting a need for more extensive and effective legal
representation of indigent criminal defendants accused of committing
criminal acts in Evanston; and
WHEREAS, the Human Services Committee has reviewed this report
and concurs in its findings; and
WHEREAS, the right to an adequate defense in court is basic to
• the administration of American justice; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has appropriated $25,000 in the 1972
City Budget for the purposes of a defender program;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of.the
City of Evanston, Illinois, authorizes the initiation of the City
of Evanston Public Defender Program, said program to be in accordance
with the memorandum from the Human Services Committee to the City
Council, dated August 21, 1972, attached hereto and made a part
hereof.
/ s / Edgar Vanneman , Jr-
Mayor
ATTEST:
•ss!•'Maurice F. Brown
City Clerk
Adopted: September 5, 1972, as amended
FORM 113C
• CITY OF EVANSTON
INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEMORANDUM
August 21, 1972
TO: Evanston City Council
FROM: Human Services Committee
SUBJECT: Proposal for Defender Project
HIRING AND FIRING:
The attorney for the project shall be employed and terminated by a
committee composed of one member of the Human Services Committee, two Evanston
citizens appointed by the Mayor, the Director of the Human Relations Commission,
a representative of Chicago Volunteer Lawyers, a representative of the North
Suburban Bar Association, and a representative of the Cook County Legal
Assistance Foundation. The attorney selected and Cook County Legal Assistance
Foundation shall select and have power to terminate any other paid staff member
• of the defender project. The committee shall from time to time report on the
progress of the program to the Human Services Committee.
DUTIES:
Provide legal representation to Evanston residents in Evanston courts,
to defendants charged with felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations for
which there is, realistically, a possible jail sentence penalty. Plan and
supervise a volunteer lawyer and student program to aid in this defense work,
including a weekly clinic in the evening or as required. Plan and supervise
a bond release program. Coordinate with CCLAF when related civil matters are
involved. Prepare quarterly reports to the above sub -committee and to Cook
County Legal Assistance Foundation detailing number of clients represented,
law reform efforts and projects undertaken and progress made on them. Prepare
and present proposals to secure supplemental funding from other sources.
ELIGIBILITY:
Under CCLAF ruling, a couple living in Evanston is allowed a net
income of $100 per week, gross. For each child over 14 years of age, an
additionsl $25 per week, and for each child under 14, an additional $10 per
week is allowed. A single person is eligible with a gross income of $60 per
week. The Chicago Volunteer Legal Services' standards are similar to those
of CCLAF (however, no distinction is made for the age of children.)_.
11
T Defender Project
August 21, 1972
. Page 2
Special needs, such as child care expenses, extensive debts, extra-
ordinary educational expenses, support payments to relatives outside of the
home, should be considered in determining eligibility.
IMPLEMENTATION:
The Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation will periodically comment
on and make recommendations concerning the structure and progress of the program
to the Committee. The CVLS will assist in the recruiting of volunteers. The
CCLAF, CVLS and the North Suburban Bar Association will assist in the training
of volunteer counsel.
BUDGET FOR THE FIRST YEAR:
Attorney's salary including fringe benefits $ 15,000
Secretary ( one-half time) 3,500
Office Space 600
Telephone 400
Supplies 1,000
• Office Equipment 2,000
Partitioning 100
Postage 300
Travel 360
Book and Periodicals 500
Legal. Costs 500
Xerox and other copying 500
Accounting 200
TOTAL $ 24,960
0