Washingtons Supreme Court slashes public defender caseload limits

The Washington Supreme Court has enacted new limits for public defenders, capping their caseloads at 47 felony cases or 120 misdemeanor cases per year, a significant reduction from current limits. This decision, effective January 1, 2026, aims to alleviate the crisis in the state's public defense system, which has faced increasing pressure from rising case numbers and attorney shortages. Chief Justice Debra Stephens noted the urgent need for immediate action to improve the quality of legal representation for indigent defendants. Despite the ruling, the Washington State Association of Counties expressed concerns about the feasibility of these new standards, citing insufficient funding and resources. Some counties have had to release defendants due to a lack of available counsel, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The American Bar Association's recommendations earlier this year prompted the court's reassessment of existing case limits. The new budget provides only $20 million for public defense, which falls short of the required funding to support the increased hiring of public defenders and court staff. If the legislature does not provide additional financial support, the implementation timeline for these standards may remain unattainable.