COLDWATER, MI – (WTVB) – With Ralph Stevens stepping down as Branch County Juvenile Defender, the Branch County Board of Commissioners approved a two year contract Thursday with attorney Benjamin Jewell to serve in that capacity in 2020 and 2021.
There are no changes in the contract other than Jewell is taking over for Stevens.
The county would pay the Juvenile Defender a base amount of over $73,000 for the term of the contract.
The Juvenile Defender represents those juveniles determined by the Branch County Probate Court who are entitled to a court appointed attorney for alleged delinquent behaviors as well as juveniles and adults who are subject to abuse or neglect proceedings.
The Juvenile Defender also represents individuals who are subject to petitions for involuntary hospitalization to a Branch County psychiatric facility.
