County Has 5 Lawyers Prosecuting Johnson

[Grizzlies1982]

Steve Bullock's decision to send over a State prosecutor is "additional tax dollars" from every Montanan.

The County Attorney's decision to use three of his prosecutors is "additional tax dollars" from every resident of Missoula County since these cases typically would have just one assigned.

No, because even if those attorneys weren't prosecuting this case, we'd still be paying their salaries. That's why it's a "fixed" cost.

You're correct that their salaries are "fixed" costs regardless of what they're doing. However, what you're overlooking are the "lost opportunity costs" of having these four public employees doing the job of one.

 

[GRZFTBL]

I'm not tryng to be a dick here, but no, there isn't additional cost, for staff or office space. They're both fixed costs.

Who's paying for motels and food, if they're from out of town? Bet your ass they ain't staying at the Bel Aire for $59/night. :lol:

 

[Jerry Punch]

according to the paper it is because of the huge amount of info (text messages, etc) the defense has requested.

How slow do they read? One lawyer could read all of the requested material in a day. My guess is that there have been materials, like texts, that undercut the case, and they've trying to figure out a way not to produce them.

You also guessed that Beau Donaldson, convicted of a felony, didn't rape anyone. Your guesses seem to be less than reliable.

 

[AllWeatherFan]

You're correct that their salaries are "fixed" costs regardless of what they're doing. However, what you're overlooking are the "lost opportunity costs" of having these four public employees doing the job of one.

Actually, I'm not overlooking that, or even disputing it. You're right that prosecutors working this case may not be available to do other things. I'm only disputing that there are "additional costs" involved in prosecuting this case.

And no, local prosecutors are probably not staying in hotels, GRZFTBL.

 

[Grizbacker1]

Griz fans really need to quit defending a rapist

are you really as ignorant as you appear?

 

[UMGriz75]

"Extra costs" misses the point.

The State can pile on all sorts of resources in litigation, without any ostensible "extra" direct cost.

A Defendant, however, cannot.

 

[Jerry Punch]

"Extra costs" misses the point.

The State can pile on all sorts of resources in litigation, without any ostensible "extra" direct cost.

A Defendant, however, cannot.

Aren't state and county budgets fixed?

I am sure Mr. Paoli will find a way to make his case and I don't think many will feel bad for him on his crusade for justice.

 

[indian-outlaw]

"Extra costs" misses the point.

The State can pile on all sorts of resources in litigation, without any ostensible "extra" direct cost.

A Defendant, however, cannot.

In many cases it boils down to who has the best legal representation. Generally the state does not have the best lawyers compared to private attorneys. Any good lawyer worth his salt does not work for the state, they make peanuts. They may get a little experience and then go into private practice. This is totally weird, generally everyone on here hates trial lawyers, but when the tables are turned then it's those evil prosecutes that are the bad guys.

 

[granitegriz]

Indian-Outlaw: I am not defending FVV's conduct here, but I would bet he makes double what you make. Please check out the facts before posting.

 

[tnt]

Indian-Outlaw: I am defending FVV, but I would bet he makes double what you make. Please check out the facts before posting.

Only half the county attorneys salary is paid by the county and he answers directly to the State Attorney General who pays the other half.

http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/accounting/FY07Budget/Att.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Exploded labor rates for both the state and county employed attorneys are pretty good actually and at par with the average "employed" attorneys in the state. especially given their benefits package. FWIW Most attorneys don't do near as well as folks think. There are a few who really skew the averages however.

http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/accounting/FY07Budget/Items/Att/Per_Att.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Of course there is more than one attorney working on this case (or any other for that matter) That's why there is a "staff."

 

[indian-outlaw]

Indian-Outlaw: I am defending FVV, but I would bet he makes double what you make. Please check out the facts before posting.

You'd lose that bet. FVV is a public employee, they don't make a lot of money. In fact look at the salaries of some of the better payed public servants in the state. They don't make a lot of money.
Governor $100,121 Brian Schweitzer
Lieutenant Governor $79,007 John Bohlinger
Secretary of State $79,129 Linda McCulloch
Attorney General $89,602 Steve Bullock

I don't know what the missoula county attorney makes but I assume it's in this ball park. a decent lawyer will make 5 times that. My original point was that egriz is filled with people who are constantly talking about what scumbags defense attorneys are until UM's star qb needs one. :lol:

 

[GrizMusician]

I'm not tryng to be a dick here, but no, there isn't additional cost, for staff or office space. They're both fixed costs.

Dupuyer Griz was referring to the movie Office Space. Excellent movie.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

 

[indian-outlaw]

I'm not tryng to be a dick here, but no, there isn't additional cost, for staff or office space. They're both fixed costs.

Dupuyer Griz was referring to the movie Office Space. Excellent movie.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk 2

Mike Judge :thumb:

 

[AllWeatherFan]

 

[granitegriz]

I edited my post tnt but you understood...good post by you.

 

[islander]

Indian-Outlaw: I am defending FVV, but I would bet he makes double what you make. Please check out the facts before posting.

You'd lose that bet. FVV is a public employee, they don't make a lot of money. In fact look at the salaries of some of the better payed public servants in the state. They don't make a lot of money.
Governor $100,121 Brian Schweitzer
Lieutenant Governor $79,007 John Bohlinger
Secretary of State $79,129 Linda McCulloch
Attorney General $89,602 Steve Bullock

I don't know what the missoula county attorney makes but I assume it's in this ball park. a decent lawyer will make 5 times that. My original point was that egriz is filled with people who are constantly talking about what scumbags defense attorneys are until UM's star qb needs one. :lol:

 

[granitegriz]

$110 K is not a lot of money :shock: ...I want some of the stuff you're smoking. Again, I renew my friendly bet.

 

[wbtfg]

$110 K is not a lot of money :shock: ...I want some of the stuff you're smoking. Again, I renew my friendly bet.

That's about average for an MSU grad. No big whoop.

 

[tgriz]

Two reasons; 1) their case is probably weak and 2) The city of Missoula and Engstrom are hoping to use JJ as a sacrifical lamb. They did a shitty job keeping there own house in order and need a big, public fall.

If JJ is innocent, look out. UM will be UJJ

 

[dupuyer griz]

$110 K is not a lot of money :shock: ...I want some of the stuff you're smoking. Again, I renew my friendly bet.

That's about average for an MSU grad. No big whoop.

in one department tard