The state uses those numbers to determine the distribution of funds. Charleston County's 5 per- cent growth over the past 10 years looks almost sluggish compared to other counties, such as Beaufort and Horry, that grew by more than 35 percent. Although funding appears to be shrinking, the work load of the public defender's office continues to be heavy - about 4,000 new clients a year, Pennington said. If they have a family, the minimum income level increases. The public defender's office handles cases that range from driving under a suspended license to murder.
Clients already have to sit weeks before they even meet their attorney.