Defense attorneys sign for 5-years, $1.53 million

Defendants in Whitman County criminal courts who can not afford attorneys will be represented by the Pullman law firm of Snyder and Martonick, after county commissioners Monday signed off on a five-year, $1,533,000 contract.

“This is a very expensive contract,” Commissioner Greg Partch commented. He noted Washington and Mississippi are the only two states to require counties to pay the costs of defendants who cannot afford an attorney.

“This is what would be referred to as an unfunded mandate,” Partch continued. “A huge unfunded mandate. Our state has seen fit not to recognize their responsibi...