Overview
What is Alternate Defenders Inc?
Alternate Defenders Inc, located in San Rafael, California, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing criminal defense services for indigent defendants. During the 2021-2022 period, they assisted in 584 cases, managing payments to attorneys, investigators, and immigration consultants. They also review bills for other appointed cases and ensure their accuracy for direct payment by the county. Alternate Defenders Inc collaborates with judges, county employees, and other conflict panels to maintain fair processes for their clients. Their mission involves contracting with Marin County to refer qualified attorneys for court appointments in criminal cases where the Public Defender has a conflict. They also have a Peer Review Committee to address any competency issues.
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement (Two-Star out of Four Stars, 67%). The rating indicates that Alternate Defenders Inc has some areas needing attention, particularly in its accountability and finance practices. While it has achieved a solid program expense ratio of 95.47%, reflecting a strong focus on its mission, the overall score suggests that the organization is not fully meeting expectations in governance and transparency.
The organization benefits from having a majority of independent board members, which is a positive indicator for accountability. However, it falls short in several critical governance areas, such as having missing policies on conflicts of interest and whistleblower protections, as well as not posting key documents like its tax form on its website. These deficiencies can raise concerns regarding oversight and transparency, which are essential for donor trust and organizational effectiveness.
Despite its strong program expense ratio and absence of material asset diversion, the lack of proper financial oversight and transparency measures limits the organization’s potential for growth and compliance. Improving these areas could enhance Alternate Defenders Inc's reputation and effectiveness in serving its mission.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Alternate Defenders Inc legitimate?
Alternate Defenders Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Alternate Defenders Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $144,435
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $113,086
For more financial information, click here
What is the mission statement of Alternate Defenders Inc?
Alternate Defenders Inc, in its mission, contracts with local authorities to provide qualified attorneys for indigent defendants in criminal cases where the Public Defender has a conflict of interest. The organization's primary role is to ensure that individuals who cannot afford legal representation receive fair and competent representation in court. During the 2021-2022 period, Alternate Defenders Inc provided criminal defense services in 584 cases. They also review bills related to appointed cases for accuracy and reasonableness, collaborating with various parties to ensure fair processes for clients. In cases of competency concerns, Alternate Defenders Inc has a Peer Review Committee to address these issues.
Who is the CEO of Alternate Defenders Inc?
Mary Stearns is the Director of Alternate Defenders Inc.
What is the revenue of Alternate Defenders Inc?
Alternate Defenders Inc's revenue in 2022 was $1,205,261.
Who are the executives of Alternate Defenders Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Alternate Defenders Inc during 2022 was $85,840. There are 3 employees at Alternate Defenders Inc.
Here are 9 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $127,302
- Related: $0
- Other: $15,482
- Compensation: $16,024
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
- Compensation: $0
- Related: $0
- Other: $0
Where can I find the form 990 for Alternate Defenders Inc?
Alternate Defenders Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Mission Statement of Alternate Defenders Inc
Alternate Defenders Inc, a nonprofit organization, plays a crucial role in ensuring justice for indigent defendants. They contract with Marin County to refer qualified attorneys for appointments by the court in criminal cases where the Public Defender has a conflict. This mission is essential as it ensures that every individual, regardless of their financial status, has access to legal representation in criminal proceedings. The organization's role is pivotal in upholding the principles of fairness and equality in the legal system.
During the 2021-2022 period, Alternate Defenders Inc provided criminal defense attorneys in 584 cases for indigent defendants. They also oversaw the payment of attorneys, investigators, and immigration consultants. Furthermore, the organization reviewed bills for other appointed cases and ancillary bills for accuracy and reasonableness, facilitating direct payment by the County. By collaborating with judges, county employees, and other conflict panels, Alternate Defenders Inc helped implement fair processes for their clients. They also have a Peer Review Committee to address competency issues, ensuring the highest standards of legal representation.
Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!
Impact
July, 2024
Alternate Defenders Inc's impact lies in its crucial role in ensuring access to legal representation for indigent defendants in criminal cases where the Public Defender has a conflict. By providing qualified attorneys to represent these individuals, Alternate Defenders Inc helps uphold the principle of justice for all, regardless of financial means. In 2021-2022 alone, the organization facilitated legal representation in 584 cases, covering a wide range of criminal proceedings.
Moreover, Alternate Defenders Inc's work extends beyond legal representation to include the payment of attorneys, investigators, and immigration consultants, as well as the diligent review of bills for accuracy and reasonableness. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including judges, county employees, and other conflict panels, the organization ensures fair processes for its clients. The establishment of a Peer Review Committee further underscores Alternate Defenders Inc's commitment to upholding competency standards within the legal representation it facilitates.
Through its dedicated efforts in San Rafael, California, Alternate Defenders Inc plays a critical role in safeguarding the rights of indigent defendants, contributing to a more just and equitable criminal justice system.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Alternate Defenders Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $109
- Program Service Revenue: $1,205,152
- Gross Receipts: $1,205,261
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $253,385
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Net Assets: $253,385
Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely
Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
Government Contract Fee
Revenue
$1,205,152
Organization Details
Founding Year
1996
Principal Officer
Mary Stearns
Main Address
4340 Redwood Highway STE F238, San Rafael, CA, 94903
NTEE Category
Code: I80 - Crime
If you are a representative of Alternate Defenders Inc and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.