The Commission
The Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents (CLCI) was legislatively established in 2005 pursuant to §54-61-01, et seq., of the North Dakota Century Code. The CLCI was formed after years of debate over the direction of the delivery of indigent services in North Dakota. The North Dakota Supreme Court and Indigent Defense Task Force sponsored a study conducted by the Spangenberg Group, and from those findings came the impetus to form the CLCI to take charge of the delivery of services.
Prior the CLCI becoming an executive branch state agency in 2005, the program of indigent services for defendants and respondents was administered by the North Dakota Supreme Court. The system consisted of all private contractors who would submit their bills and expenses to the District Judges for approval. The Judges assigned the cases and monitored the contracts. One of the CLCI's goals was to separate the judiciary from the delivery of indigent services and thereby avoid an appearance of conflict for the Judiciary.
The CLCI is governed by a 7 member board appointed by varying entities of the state; the North Dakota Supreme Court, the State Bar Association, the Legislature, and Governor's office all appoint representatives who serve staggered terms. The Commission meets regularly and notice of their meetings is posted with the North Dakota Secretary of State's office at 1 800 352-0867. Meetings are usually held in the Capitol, Bismarck, ND 58072.
The Commission first met in August of 2005, and since that time has hired an Executive Director, voted to open up public defender offices, has approved a budget to be submitted to the Office of Budget and Management for the 2007-2009 biennium, and has been busy adopting agency standards and policies.
Commission members are:
- W. Jeremy Davis
- Representative Duane DeKrey
- Jonal Holt-Uglem
- Senator Stanley W. Lyson
- Bruce Quick
- Thomas Ribb
- Ted Seibel
If you wish to contact any of the commission members, please contact Robin Huseby at 701 845-8632. The CLCI main office is at 2517 West Main, P.O. Box 149, Valley City, ND 58072. Fax is 701 845-8633.
