Public defender proposes increase to 'expert witness' budget due to more mental evaluations

July 24, 2026 - 11:39

The Douglas County public defender's office is asking for a significant increase in its expert witness budget, citing a sharp rise in the number of court cases requiring mental health evaluations. The request highlights a growing trend in the local justice system, where psychological assessments and expert testimony have become central to many criminal proceedings.

According to the public defender, the current funding is no longer sufficient to cover the costs of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other specialists needed to evaluate defendants. These experts are often essential for determining competency to stand trial, assessing mental state at the time of an offense, or providing mitigation evidence during sentencing. The office argues that without adequate funding, defendants may not receive fair evaluations, potentially leading to unjust outcomes.

The Douglas County attorney's office has acknowledged the trend, noting that the complexity of cases involving mental health is increasing. Both offices agree that the rising expenses, which are ultimately paid by taxpayers, reflect a broader societal issue. Mental health crises, substance abuse, and trauma are increasingly intersecting with the criminal justice system, driving up the demand for professional assessments.

The proposed budget increase would cover not only the evaluations themselves but also the time experts spend preparing reports and testifying in court. Officials stress that while the costs are rising, ensuring proper evaluations helps prevent wrongful convictions and reduces the likelihood of repeat offenses by addressing underlying mental health needs. The county board is expected to review the request in the coming weeks.