b"Public Defender's Of\x00ceMission StatementThe mission of this Fourteenth Circuit Public Defenders Oce is to provide eective representation as guaranteed by theSixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, to ensure the right to counsel for individuals regardless of the ability toretain counsel, and to assist others in this mission.Department DescriptionThe Beaufort County Public Defenders Oce, through the 14 thCircuit Public Defender and Oce of Indigent Defense, and incooperation and consultation with professional associations and other groups interested in the administration of criminaljusticeandtheimprovementandexpansionofdefenderservices,provideslegalrepresentationtoindigentdefendantscharged with criminal oenses in the courts of Beaufort County.Performance MeasuresThe Beaufort County Public Defender caseload has consistently increased. From July 1, 2022June 30, 2023, the BeaufortCounty Public Defenders oce represented 1,849 new clients for a total of 3,651 warrants and/or tickets.Budget Highlights and Special NotesWehavefollowedtheadvicefromCountyCounciltooptbackintotheBeaufortCountyCompensationplantobettercompensate our sta.Expenditures Summary$3,928,104 $309,038(8.54% vs. prior year)Public Defender's Oce Proposed and Historical Budget vs. Actual5M4M3M2M1M0FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024Actual BudgetedBeaufort County, SC | Budget Book 2024 Page 322"