May 2023

Raises for Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys

Two new labor agreements with the unions that represent prosecuting attorneys and defense attorneys have been signed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The board voted 4-0 to approve the contracts.  Supervisor David Rabbitt was not present.

The contracts will run from May 16, 2023 to May 6, 2026.

Both associations represent the publicly funded attorneys who work in the county’s legal system.

The county is in the process of negotiating contracts with different groups who provide services to the county.  A new contract was approved with SEIU 1021 which is the largest local government  workforce in the North Bay.  There are nine contracts left to finish. 

The highlights of the attorney contracts include a cost of living adjustment each year of the three year contract.  Public defenders will see a 7.57% equity increase and prosecutors will see an 8% equity increase to align with what those positions are paid in other Bay Area counties.  Prosecutors will receive an increase in standby pay from $6.75 and hour to $8 an hour.  Public defenders will receive compensation time in exchange for completing required training during weekends and holidays.

We have only one story.  All novels, all poetry, are built on the never-ending contest in ourselves of good and evil.   John Steinbeck