Closing Date: 5th April, 2026
Description:
Introduction & Purpose Morgan County ("County") invites statements of qualifications from licensed attorneys or law firms ("Applicant") to provide indigent defense legal services in cases where the primary public defender has a conflict of interest. The objective is to provide high-quality, representation to indigent individuals in criminal, juvenile, or other cases, consistent with the Utah Indigent Defense Act and Sixth Amendment requirements.Scope of Services The selected counsel will represent indigent defendants in cases arising in Morgan County where the primary public defender is conflicted out, including:
- Criminal offenses (felonies and misdemeanors) in Justice and District Courts.
- Juvenile court cases.
- Mental health commitment hearings, if required.
- Post-conviction matters or appeals, if specifically contracted.
- Maintenance of conflict checks to ensure no representation occurs where a conflict exists.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Licensure: Active membership in good standing with the Utah State Bar.
- Experience: Demonstrated experience in criminal defense, specifically handling conflicts, with a minimum of two years preferred.
- Capacity: Ability to handle cases promptly, including appearing in court for hearings, trials, and attorney-client consultations.
- Compliance: Adherence to the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct and standards set by the Utah Indigent Defense Commission.
Submission Requirements Interested parties must submit a proposal containing:
- Resume/Firm Profile: Highlighting criminal defense experience.
- References: At least three professional references (judges/attorneys preferred).
- Fee Structure: Proposed compensation (e.g., hourly rate, monthly retainer, or per-case rate).
Evaluation Criteria Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Experience and qualifications in criminal defense.
- Knowledge of Utah law and indigent defense standards.
- Availability and capacity to handle conflict caseloads.
- Cost-effectiveness of the proposal.
Timeline and Contact
- RFQ Issued: March 4th, 2026
- Deadline for Submission: April 1st, 2026
- Contract Start Date: ASAP
- Submit Proposals To: Kate Becker, Morgan County Administrative Manager via email kbecker@morgancountyutah.gov with subject "Conflict Counsel RFQ Submission".
Right to Reject Morgan County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any minor informalities, and to select the proposer who best meets the needs of the county, not necessarily the lowest cost.