‘Overworked and underpaid’: Grand jury report on Public Defender’s Office calls out staff, building issues

In a report released Wednesday, the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury called for an overhaul of resources for the Public Defenders office, while warning the “dangerously high” caseloads could be placing justice in jeopardy. The office, which defends people who cannot afford a private attorney, provides legal defense for about 80% of county residents accused of committing a crime, a right enshrined in the constitution.