Hinds County seeks emergency funding for public defender office amid staffing shortages

Hinds County officials are seeking $350,000 in emergency funding for the public defender’s office to address ongoing staffing shortages, officials said Tuesday during a press conference.

Public Defender Gail Wright Lowery said the office has 14 staff attorney positions, with 12 filled and two vacant. Over the past six months, five staff members have left for higher-paying jobs, she said.

C.J. Lawrence, executive director of Defend Mississippi, noted that the average starting salary at the public defender’s office is about $75,000 annually, compared to $114,000 at the county’s prosecuting attorney’s office. Advocates emphasized that underfunding public defense has long-term costs for counties in Mississippi.

Lawrence pointed out that Mississippi counties spend a combined $21.5 million on public defense, while allocating $34 million on prosecution, creating an imbalance he said increases costs for counties. “Low investment in public defense will save taxpayers and the county budget in Hinds County,” he said, citing the impact of prolonged jail stays on inmates’ health.

Lowery said her office handled 1,600 cases last year and that attorneys are in court five days a week. The Hinds County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the funding request at its March 2 meeting. Lowery expressed optimism that the proposal would be approved.

“Public defense is a smart investment,” Lowery said. “Studies show that counties that invest in early, effective representation save millions each year by reducing unnecessary jail time and helping citizens stay employed.”

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