SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s troubled public defense system took a major step toward reform this week, as the state’s Public Defense Commission unveiled a detailed 12-month plan to address the longstanding shortage of attorneys representing low-income defendants.
The announcement came just ahead of a June 1 deadline set by Governor Tina Kotek, who in April dismissed the commission’s former executive director and called the backlog of unrepresented defendants — then estimated at over 4,000 — “unacceptable.” The new strategy was presented Monday by Interim Executive Director Ken Sanchagrin, who acknowledged the severity of the issue while stopping short of offering a specific date for when the crisis would be fully resolved.
“We can make significant progress over the next 12 months,” Sanchagrin told reporters. “But given the increases in filings and the uncertainty around legislative decisions, predicting an exact end date isn’t feasible right now.”
The plan outlines a seven-point strategy that includes expanding contracts with both private attorneys and nonprofit defense organizations, increasing voluntary caseloads for attorneys with room to take more cases, and incorporating supervised law students into the defense pipeline. It also emphasizes data-driven resource allocation, with targeted efforts focused on six counties most affected by the crisis: Coos, Douglas, Jackson, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington.
As of June 2, 3,779 individuals were without public defenders, down slightly from more than 4,400 in May, according to state data. The commission’s plan aims to leverage attorneys who have additional capacity — approximately 40% of whom are located in those six “crisis” counties — by building higher case expectations directly into future contracts.
Governor Kotek’s office acknowledged receipt of the plan and reiterated the need for sustained legislative support.
“The Governor believes the public defense crisis poses a threat to public safety and delays justice for victims,” said spokesperson Roxy Mayer. “She appreciates Director Sanchagrin for stepping up to take on this challenge and for working diligently to develop a plan moving forward.”
Lawmakers who have been critical of the commission’s past performance welcomed the new direction. State Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) praised the plan for its focus on recruitment and expanding legal capacity.
“We need to honor the hard work of public defenders and provide the appropriate level of representation and service for indigent defense,” Broadman said. “This plan does that with enhanced capacity and recruitment.”
The Oregon Judicial Department also expressed cautious optimism. In a written statement, Chief Justice Meagan Flynn said the court was “encouraged by the urgency” demonstrated in the new plan and indicated a willingness to support implementation efforts.
Some elements of the plan’s success remain contingent on legislative outcomes still being negotiated. The Legislature is currently considering House Bill 2614, which would officially declare the public defense shortage an emergency and extend the availability of legal service contracts until 2033. Lawmakers are also working to finalize the commission’s budget — a factor Sanchagrin noted could impact the feasibility of proposed changes.
Oregon’s public defense system has been under scrutiny for years. A 2019 study commissioned by the state described the system as an inefficient bureaucracy that failed to ensure adequate oversight or accountability. Until recently, the Public Defense Commission operated under the authority of the Oregon Supreme Court. A law passed in 2023 will shift that oversight to the executive branch starting in 2025 — a change proponents hope will bring greater accountability and responsiveness.
While full resolution of the crisis remains months or years away, the commission’s announcement represents its first comprehensive action under new leadership. For now, all eyes will be on the Legislature and the governor’s office as they determine whether the funding and political will exist to turn plans into progress.
