Deschutes County Commissioners met with Circuit Court Judges to discuss issues on the Bench

(UPDATE: Added full story with quotes from Judge Wells Ashby and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Commissioners met for their yearly meeting with the Circuit Court Judges on Wednesday.

During the meeting the Judges shared how things have been going on the bench, as well as successes and challenges they've faced.

Topics ranged from mental health cases to family cases.

The judges spoke about the current public defender contract issues. 

KTVZ News spoke with Judge Wells Ashby about the dilemma

“For the past couple of years, OPDC has increased the number of public defenders. We have three primary provider groups, so we've added some additional criminal defense attorneys." Judge Ashby told KTVZ News. "But right now they're in a contract negotiation phase that happens every couple of years. Our primary provider, Deschutes Defenders, just got a 90 day extension through the end of the year. So discussions are ongoing."

These contract talks have already affected some cases currently before the court.

The Samson Garner sentencing for example, has been delayed, as his public defenders are currently working on the contract.

However, Judge Ashby said the court is in good shape.

Judge Ashby told KTVZ News. "Right now we're in a pretty good posture. We don't have anybody who is unrepresented. We're always close, so hopefully they're able to come to terms on contracts and continue the hard work of criminal defense."

Public defenders are an important part of our country’s legal system.

The constitution affirms the right to have a proper defense