TASK FORCE TO STUDY THE LAWS & POLICIES RELATING TO
REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENT CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS BY THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER

Chair (chosen by Governor): Gregg L. Hershberger, Secretary of Public Safety & Correctional Services

Appointed by Governor: Cherise Burdeen; Debra Lynn Gardner, Esq.; John Patrick Gross, Esq.; Michele J. Hughes; Tanya M. Jackson; William H. Jones, Esq.; Dorothy J. Lennig, Esq.; Mary Lou McDonough; Michael A. Millemann, Esq.; Michael A. Pristoop; David R. Rocah, Esq.; Michael Schatzow, Esq.; Scott D. Shellenberger, Esq.; Johanna Steinberg, Esq.

Appointed by Senate President: Joseph M. Getty; Victor R. Ramirez.

Appointed by House Speaker: Curtis S. Anderson; Joseph F. Vallario, Jr.

Ex officio: Tammy M. Brown, designee of Governor; Franklyn G. Musgrave, Jr., designee of Attorney General; Ben C. Clyburn, Chief Judge, District Court of Maryland; Gregg L. Hershberger, Secretary of Public Safety & Correctional Services; Maj. Woodrow W. Jones, designee of Secretary of State Police; Paul B. DeWolfe, Jr., Public Defender; David W. Weissert, Coordinator of Commissioner Activity, District Court of Maryland.

Staff: Shirleen M. Pilgrim; Claire E. Rossmark.

c/o Dept. of Legislative Services
Legislative Services Building, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 946-5350, (301) 970-5350


Final Report to Governor, Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, & House Judiciary Committee due Nov. 1, 2013.


In May 2012, the Task Force to Study the Laws and Policies relating to Representation of Indigent Criminal Defendants by the Office of the Public Defender was authorized (Chapters 504 & 505, Acts of 2012).

The Task Force studied the adequacy of State laws and policies concerning the representation of indigent criminal defendants by the Office of Public Defender, and the District Court commissioner and pretrial release systems; and examine their costs. Further, the Task Force considered and recommended ways to improve the two systems and the representation of indigent defendants.

Authorization for the Task Force ended May 31, 2014.

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