Haskell says, “we are losing the battle”
SPOKANE VALLEY – During the recent city council session on January 30, Spokane Valley delved into discussions regarding the contract with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s office. Larry Haskell, the county prosecutor, took the floor, shedding light on crucial details about the office’s current state and potential contractual matters.
Haskell outlined the jurisdiction of the District Court, emphasizing its role in handling traffic infractions, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and regional oversight of all felonies in the county. However, he made it clear that there isn’t a specific contract tailored for Spokane Valley concerning felony cases.
“We don’t have have a contract specific for Spokane Valley on the felony level. I want to make that very clear,” he explained.
A pressing concern highlighted by Haskell was the disparity in pay relative to the workload. He pointed out that young attorneys, fresh out of law school, could fetch up to $90,000 annually in private firms, whereas they start at $58,000 in his district court. This wage gap, compounded by higher starting salaries in neighboring counties, has led to attorney shortages, with resignations anticipated to exacerbate the deficit.
Highlighting statistical trends, Haskell noted a steady rise in felony filings over the past years, echoing a worrying uptick in homicide rates. “In 2022 we filed 3,965 new felonies in Spokane County, and in 2023 we were up to 4,320,” he explained.
He attributed these shifts partly to legislative decisions in Olympia, asserting their consequential impact on criminal activity.
Addressing the challenges of trial proceedings, Haskell elucidated the complexities of case selection and defense dynamics, particularly concerning misdemeanor crimes. He emphasized the evolving legal landscape, especially in light of recent legislative adjustments impacting incarceration and sentencing.
Council members sought insights into misdemeanor trends, with Haskell referencing the impact of Blake cases on the workload, emphasizing the loss of leverage following changes in possession laws. Concerns were raised about the potential strain on resources stemming from plans to hire additional police officers.
“We are sounding the alarm that we are losing the battle,” said Haskell.
Expressing concerns over retention and recruitment, Haskell emphasized the cost-benefit analysis of investing in legal personnel amid high turnover rates. He stressed the criticality of timely prosecutions, highlighting the vulnerability of cases to witness and defendant cooperation fluctuations.
Discussions also veered towards funding prospects and legislative support, with Haskell underscoring the systemic challenges in directing revenue towards the criminal justice system.
Queries about the applicability of three strikes laws and staffing allocations were addressed, shedding light on ongoing legislative considerations and the need for enhanced collaboration with law enforcement.
As deliberations continue, Spokane Valley faces the imperative of navigating funding constraints and strategic resource allocation to uphold effective legal proceedings within its jurisdiction.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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