Bill > S00862

This bill amends the New York executive law to establish specific numerical limits on the annual caseloads for public defenders who provide constitutionally mandated publicly funded legal representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases. The bill sets maximum annual caseload standards at 367 misdemeanors or 138 felonies, with a complex calculation method for mixed caseloads where each felony is counted as equivalent to 2.66 misdemeanors. These limits are designed to ensure that public defenders have a manageable workload and can provide adequate legal representation to defendants who cannot afford private counsel. By imposing these precise numerical restrictions, the bill aims to improve the quality of legal representation for low-income individuals in the criminal justice system and prevent public defenders from being overburdened with an excessive number of cases that could compromise their ability to provide effective legal defense.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S862