Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office Faces Staffing Crisis

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The Rhode Island Public Defender's Office is facing staffing challenges despite increased funding.

News Summary

The Rhode Island Office of the Public Defender is grappling with significant staffing issues despite increased funding and a reduction in attorney workload. With an average salary for public defenders below $94,000 and funding for new positions unavailable due to a state budget deficit, advocates express concern over adequate legal representation. Testimonies reveal public defenders manage excessive caseloads, far exceeding recommended limits. The situation underscores the urgent need for additional resources and support to ensure competent legal assistance to all residents.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Office of the Public Defender is experiencing significant staffing challenges despite a recent decrease in attorney workload and increased funding for salaries. The office is currently managing an overwhelming number of cases, which has raised concerns from both leadership and advocacy organizations.

Collin Geiselman, the Rhode Island Public Defender, reported that an additional $750,000 has been allocated to enhance attorney salaries, in an effort to retain the existing workforce of 58 attorneys and attract new talent. However, salary increases for public defenders have faced an eight-month delay due to necessary updates in the state’s payroll system. The Rhode Island Department of Administration is in the process of transitioning to a cloud-based human resources and finance system, which is expected to finish by the end of 2025.

Matthew Toro, the Deputy Public Defender, recently testified about the situation before the House Finance Subcommittee on Public Safety, stressing the adverse impact of these delays on salary adjustments for attorneys. Currently, the average salary for public defenders remains below $94,000, highlighting the urgency of the adjustments as the office continues to face high case loads.

According to recent statistics, the average public defender in Rhode Island handled approximately 200 felony cases and 700 misdemeanor cases in 2024. These figures surpass the American Bar Association’s recommended standards of 150 felony cases and 400 misdemeanor cases per attorney. While these numbers reflect an improvement from previous years—where felony caseloads averaged around 1,300—they still indicate the burdensome workload faced by public defenders.

Toro mentioned that adding two more attorneys dedicated to misdemeanor cases could lighten the current caseload, allowing attorneys to handle approximately 100 fewer cases each. Despite the clear need for additional staffing, Governor Dan McKee’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 did not include funding for new attorney positions, citing the state’s $223 million budget deficit.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island has voiced concerns regarding the high workloads public defenders face, which can interfere with their ability to provide adequate legal representation. Geiselman underscored that the office’s main duty is to offer legal counsel, which is a constitutionally required service. The ongoing struggles to fulfill these commitments illustrate the critical need for more resources within the Rhode Island public defense system.

Supporters of the public defense system point to a 2017 report from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, which indicated that Rhode Island requires 136 full-time attorneys to ensure competent legal assistance to all residents. The current staffing levels and delays in salary adjustments create significant barriers to achieving this goal.

As the Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office continues to navigate these challenges, the implications for fair legal representation remain a pressing issue. Collaboration between state agencies and the approval of budget increases for staffing is crucial to meet the legal needs of clients and uphold the integrity of public defense within the state.

In a related development, Tara I. Allen has been appointed as the federal public defender for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, marking a significant step in her career transition from teaching to public service leadership. Her appointment may provide additional perspective and support as the public defense system in Rhode Island grapples with ongoing staffing challenges.