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Public Defense News Archive
July 2025
7/16/25
Do you have a case on appeal, the outcome of which would have a significant effect on criminal law or procedure? Please consider consulting with ABA SCLAID about seeking an amicus brief with the ABA Amicus Committee. We can help determine if the issues in the case implicate ABA policy, which is a threshold requirement for any ABA amicus brief. The amicus committee tends to favor cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, but it will approve federal appeals court and state supreme court briefs from time to time. Be aware that, because the ABA is a member led organization with a government-like structure, the amicus approval process takes longer than one might expect. SCLAID has been unable to assist attorneys with potentially amicus-worthy cases in recent months due to insufficient time. Please reach out to SCLAID 10 weeks or more before the amicus brief’s anticipated filing deadline to ensure there is enough time to review the case, recruit amicus counsel, submit the amicus application to the committee, obtain initial approval from the committee, draft the brief, and have the draft reviewed by the committee. Contact ABA Indigent Defense Counsel Mark Pickett, [email protected], about your case.
This is a light week for news, but there are a few items about a looming public defender strike in New York.
National:
ABA honors 2025 public service award recipients
Alaska:
Mother, son charged with arson after Walker County Public Defender’s Office destroyed by fire
California:
Fair representation: A California bill aims to improve public defense funding
Illinois:
This Illinois Reform May Bring Relief to Overworked Public Defenders
Louisiana:
Attorneys representing poor defendants in federal court told they won’t be paid on time
Maine:
Wait times for public defenders in Penobscot County have plummeted
Massachusetts:
Defendants released in Mass. as pay dispute with public defenders remains unresolved
Mississippi:
Mississippi Public Defender, Andre' De Gruy, Talks Reform With New Pilot Program
New York:
Hundreds of Legal Services Staff Strike as Larger Walkout Looms
First group of legal services attys go on strike as deadline for mass strike approaches
Brooklyn Defenders takes charge at embattled Queens legal services provider
NYC nearly doubles spending on immigration legal services
North Dakota:
Plain Talk: ND Legislature stepped up with funding to move public defenders 'in the right direction'
North Dakota attorneys withdraw from federal public defender work due to funding gap
Pennsylvania:
Shusterman’s Juvenile Justice Reform Bills Clear Pennsylvania House
Texas:
Brazos County Public Defender’s Office Receives Three State Grants
Wyoming:
Public defender pushes back as removal looms (Jackson Hole)
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Law Clinic Helping Public Defenders Fight Back Against New Police Technology w/Megan Graham
7/9/25
Do you have a case on appeal, the outcome of which would have a significant effect on criminal law or procedure? Please consider consulting with ABA SCLAID about seeking an amicus brief with the ABA Amicus Committee. We can help determine if the issues in the case implicate ABA policy, which is a threshold requirement for any ABA amicus brief. The amicus committee tends to favor cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, but it will approve federal appeals court and state supreme court briefs from time to time. Be aware that, because the ABA is a member led organization with a government-like structure, the amicus approval process takes longer than one might expect. SCLAID has been unable to assist attorneys with potentially amicus-worthy cases in recent months due to insufficient time. Please reach out to SCLAID 10 weeks or more before the amicus brief’s anticipated filing deadline to ensure there is enough time to review the case, recruit amicus counsel, submit the amicus application to the committee, obtain initial approval from the committee, draft the brief, and have the draft reviewed by the committee. Contact ABA Indigent Defense Counsel Mark Pickett, [email protected], about your case.
Looks for stories this week about the appointed counsel work stoppage in Massachusetts, ongoing turmoil in Louisiana, and a Queens, New York public defender who was falsely accused of smuggling drugs into Rikers Island.
This issue of Public Defense News covers two weeks due to the July 4 holiday.
Of Interest:
Paying Attorneys of the Sixth – new tool from 6AC that lists appointed counsel compensation rates in every U.S. jurisdiction
June 2025
6/25/25
This issue covers the last two weeks.
Arizona:
Contracts OK’d for public defense in Justice Court (Graham County)
Idaho:
State Public Defenders to continue using public defense offices in Jefferson County Annex building
Indiana:
9 Indiana counties chosen for misdemeanor defense reimbursement pilot
Louisiana:
‘Too much drama’: Public defenders quit Louisiana governor's oversight board
Public defenders facing termination accuse Louisiana official of discriminating against women
Maine:
Mills First Two Vetos Nix Farmworker Unionization and Indigent Defense Bills
State Supreme Court halts indigent defense hearings, pending appeal
Maine could run out of money for public defenders, commission warns
Maine supreme court to decide whether state must release people without lawyers from jails
Massachusetts:
Crisis looming in Massachusetts as court-appointed attorneys refuse to take on more cases
Wake Up Call: Massachusetts’ Justice System Nears Breaking Point
Public Defenders Strike Could Soon Impact Nantucket's Legal System
Mississippi:
Mississippi Makes Move Toward State-Funded Public Defenders With ‘Day 1’ Experiment
From Budget Chaos to Public Defenders: Mississippi Poised to Fund ‘Day 1’ Experiment
New Mexico:
Two Longtime Attorneys Appointed To New Mexico Public Defender Commission
Meet the Lawyer in Snakeskin Boots Who Takes Cases for as Little as Minimum Wage (paywall)
New York:
As public defender strike looms, appellate attorneys are demanding a higher wage (NYC)
Founder of NYC public defender office indicted on fraud charges
North Carolina:
Will NC budget end aid for people seeking justice in civil court? What we know.
Oregon:
Oregon state lawmakers approve budget bill to help stem public defense crisis
Budget advances to resolve public defender system crisis
Pennsylvania:
Fired Allegheny County chief public defender sues for wrongful termination
Texas:
Harris County officials appoint Judge Genesis Draper as new chief public defender
Utah:
Salt Lake County Democrats select public defender for County Council seat
Washington:
VIDEO: Fellowship Program Addresses Public Defender Shortage
State high court rules on a pathway to reducing public defender caseloads
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How Public Defenders Can Create Equitable Public Safety Policies w/Hans Menos and Rob Kenter
6/11/25
Lots of news out of the Pacific Northwest this week. The Washington Supreme Court has issued its long-awaited order on caseload standards, while Oregon continues to deal with its unrepresented crisis under the leadership of a new director.
California:
California Is Failing to Provide a Vital Safeguard Against Wrongful Convictions
Illinois:
Bill Creating a State Public Defender’s Office Is Headed to Pritzker’s Desk
Baby food safety, press freedom, public defender measures will head to governor
Massachusetts:
Bar advocate revolt over low pay expected to balloon across the state
Michigan:
Detroit criminal justice group receives grant from NFL
Branch County commissioners bring forward request for Public Defender search committee
New Hampshire:
Indigent defense shortage persists in NH, despite pay raise
Ohio:
How client advocates are quietly reshaping criminal defense
Oregon:
New leader of Oregon public defense agency delivers 12-month plan to address crisis
Budget advances to fund Oregon Public Defense Commission, resolve crisis
New strategy aims to ease Oregon's public defense crisis by fall
Newly-appointed public defense head mounts effort to stem Oregon’s public defense pileup
Oregon’s Public Defense Crisis Worsens, with 4,400 Unrepresented Individuals
Pennsylvania:
Washington:
Press Release: Washington Supreme Court Issues Interim Order on Public Defense Standards
WA Supreme Court orders much lower caseloads for public defenders
Washington’s Supreme Court slashes public defender caseload limits
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Why is the LA County DA Bringing Back Death Penalty Prosecutions? w/Ricardo Garcia
6/4/25
This issue of Public Defense News covers the last two weeks.
Look for lots of items in this issue about various jurisdictions dealing with excessive public defense workloads and low pay, including the bar advocate work stoppage in Massachusetts.
National:
Criminal Defense Attorneys Facing Work Without Pay Because Of Poor Budgeting
Defense Lawyers Face Months Without Pay as Federal Funds Dry Up
Alabama:
Jefferson County public defenders help clients turn their lives around: ‘I am free’
Arizona:
Graham Board of Supervisors OK Superior Court public defender contracts
California:
A program paying California jurors $100 a day would end abruptly due to Newsom’s new budget
AB 690 Targets Flawed Indigent Defense Contracts in California
S.F. DA has ‘pattern and practice’ of withholding evidence, public defenders allege
Illinois:
VIEWS: Illinois was once a leader in public defense – we can be again
Kansas:
Public defender William Naeger files for Topeka City Council
Kentucky:
Upbringing in faith motivates graduate to serve as public defender
Maine:
Penobscot County Jail inmates without lawyers could be released next month
Press Release: Access to justice is a right. Here’s how we’re working to protect it.
Massachusetts:
Massachusetts private attorneys, seeking pay raise, refuse criminal defense work
‘The end result is going to be chaos’: Bar advocates to halt indigent defense work over stagnant pay
Defense attorneys stop work; courts, clients may quickly feel impacts
Michigan:
Glaser resigns as Branch County public defender
Minnesota:
Scott Cutcher for the defense: After 30-plus years, public defender calls it quits
New York:
St. Lawrence County reshuffles Public Defender's Office due to staffing shortages
Greenburgh Appoints Tarrytown Public Defender As Town Judge
North Carolina:
Lenoir County Commissioners recognize volunteers, back public defender's office
NC ends Mecklenburg contract for children’s court defense. It hopes 8 attorneys can fill gap
North Dakota:
Is it time for a $3,500 raise for the public defender?
Ohio:
Settlement reached in public defender’s case against prosecutor
Oregon:
New strategy aims to ease Oregon's public defense crisis by fall
Oregon Public Defense Commission releases plan to resolve unrepresented crisis
Newly-appointed public defense head mounts effort to stem Oregon’s public defense pileup
Pennsylvania:
Official discusses Indigent Defense Grant Program (Juniata County)
Major grants address homelessness issues, indigent defense locally (Mifflin County)
Rhode Island:
R.I. public defenders get helping hand, but still understaffed
Texas:
Shortage of Criminal Defense Attorneys in Rural Texas: Lessons for Dallas Legal Community
ACLU of Texas Condemns S.B. 9 as an Attack on the Poor and on Judicial Discretion
Virginia:
FBI questions public defenders about Albemarle courthouse encounter with plainclothes ICE agents
Washington:
Anacortes to swap in-house public defender for outside contractor
International:
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Why has the San Francisco Public Defender Stopped Taking New Cases One Day a Week? w/Mano Raju
Is There a Better Way to Teach Criminal Law? Part I w/Alice Ristroph
Is There a Better Way to Teach Criminal Law Part II w/Andrew Crespo
May 2025
5/21/25
If your office is accepting intern or clerkship applications, please let us know! We would like to offer more student opportunities in our jobs section. Just email [email protected] and provide a link to the posting.
National:
Staffing and Funding Shortages Persist for Public Defenders
California:
San Francisco public defender says caseload is too heavy, will scale back service
$1 Billion Disparity in Prosecution Funding vs Public Defense
Connecticut:
Conn. Public Defender Watchdog Wants Chief's Firing Upheld (partial paywall)
Illinois:
Opinion: State can again be leader in public defense
Letters: Lawmakers should pass the FAIR Act to ensure all Illinoisans get a fair defense in court
Opinion: Illinois public defenders, their clients deserve a FAIR shake
Indiana:
Commissioners OK Furniture Quote For Public Defender’s Office
Iowa:
Here’s what Iowa lawmakers did on marathon final day of session
Maine:
ACLU of Maine gives legal updates, sounds alarm on civil liberties issues in virtual meeting
Could releasing low-income defendants fix Maine's constitutional crisis? Ask Massachusetts
Nevada:
Las Vegas judge removed from all criminal cases after claiming public defender had sex with client
North Dakota:
Oregon:
Oregon’s public defense backlog persists even as ranks of public defenders grow
Pennsylvania:
Allegheny County chief public defender fired after HR investigation
South Dakota:
State’s first indigent-defense services start this summer
Tennessee:
Kelley Henry: Death Row Defense Attorney (Audio Interview)
Texas:
Utah:
Weber County Commission approves contract for indigent defense
Northern Mariana Islands:
Public Defender’s Office behind on payments to vendors
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
5/14/25
If your office is accepting intern or clerkship applications, please let us know! We would like to offer more student opportunities in our jobs section. Just email [email protected] and provide a link to the posting.
Arkansas:
Defense begins presenting evidence in public defender pay disparity case in federal court
Jury finds in favor of Black public defender who sued for pay disparity, was awarded just $25,013
California:
SF public defender stops taking cases, citing Lurie’s anti-fentanyl surge
California Criticized for Inadequate Funding of Indigent Defense in Justice System
Regional: Public Defender Groups Call For Funding For Indigent Defense Cases
Public defenders seek $120M as Proposition 36 Strains Resources
Idaho:
Demand for capital defense attorneys may soon skyrocket in Idaho due to new law
Louisiana:
Louisiana lawmakers deny state public defender’s ‘power grab’ – again
Maine:
Judge will move forward to release defendants, despite appeal
Michigan:
Houghton County Board mulls public defender issues
Nevada:
Las Vegas judge accuses public defender of having sex with client, documents say
New York:
St. Lawrence County pauses conflict defender office and moves staff to public defender
Disparities in Crime Enforcement Persist in NYC Despite Progress
Ohio:
Fayette Commissioners review public defender contract, open bike path bids
Oklahoma:
Pennsylvania:
Opinion: All of us pay the price for underfunding public defense
'Well-rounded understanding': Q&A with public defender Emily Mosco Merski in judge's race (Erie)
Texas:
Wichita County withdraws from statewide death penalty defense program
Utah:
Weber County Commission approves contract for indigent defense
Washington:
WA budget boosts public defense funding but Clark County chief defender still hoping for more
Grays Harbor County Public Defense holds spring forum
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
After 18 Years in Prison, How One Man is Still Fighting to Prove his Innocence w/Ivery Dorsey
5/7/25
If your office is accepting intern or clerkship applications, please let us know! We would like to offer more student opportunities in our jobs section. Just email [email protected] and provide a link to the posting.
Arkansas:
Retrial begins in Black public defender’s lawsuit over pay disparity
District of Columbia:
Georgia:
GPDC Circuit Public Defender Training in Brunswick highlights reforms, leadership growth, and innovation in public defense (partial paywall)
Hawaii:
Can’t Afford A Lawyer? Good Luck Getting Help On Neighbor Islands
Idaho:
New Idaho law restricts right to public defenders in parental rights termination
Louisiana:
Baton Rouge Public defender's office says failed DA tax impacts their office
Maine:
Maine public defense commission wants to improve confidentiality in jail communications
Hundreds of Maine lawyers gather in defense of Constitution
Mississippi:
A Mississippi man spent 940 days in jail waiting for a trial that never came
New York:
Mayor returns to Queens to unveil budget proposal
Ohio:
Trumbull County lowers cost of public defender services
Tennessee:
Tennessee federal public defender to receive TBA’s 2025 Claudia Jack Award
Texas:
Lampasas Commissioners Court OKs grants for sheriff’s office, indigent defense (partial paywall)
Virginia:
Man pleads insanity for threatening to kill Loudoun public defender
Washington:
West Virginia:
Tucker County to Join Preston County Public Defender Corporation
Of Interest:
JusticeText: Bringing AI audiovisual analysis to the public defender’s office
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How Flat-Fee Contracts Undermine the Right to Counsel in California w/Josh Schwartz
April 2025
4/30/25
If your office is accepting intern or clerkship applications, please let us know! We would like to offer more student opportunities in our jobs section. Just email [email protected] and provide a link to the posting.
California:
Video: Recall of Contra Costa District Attorney Begins Gathering Signatures
Illinois:
Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice to Host Listening Session on Public Defense Reform
Indiana:
Maine:
New Maine law would allocate $3.5 million for 5 new public defenders
Michigan:
Michigan Law Students Recognize Bromberg, Edmonds, Primus, and Walker with 2025 Teaching Awards
Oregon:
Oregon House approves bill that would declare public defense crisis, increase oversight
Judge orders public defenders to prove caseloads amid Oregon courts emergency
Oregon governor picks 2 new judges for Portland area courts
Victims left in limbo as Oregon’s public defender crisis deepens
Pennsylvania:
PA public defenders struggle with high caseloads, attorney shortage
Butler County seeks additional grant for public defender’s office (partial paywall)
Texas:
Underfunding for indigent defense in Nueces County and Texas is a moral failure | Opinion
KHOU 11 Investigates: DA’s office may have filed wrong charges in 300 cases
Wharton County may form public defender's office soon (partial paywall)
Washington:
WA adds public defender dollars but ‘nowhere near’ enough, counties say
Wisconsin:
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Tech Company Helping Public Defenders Track and Exploit Police Misconduct w/Julie Ciccolini
4/23/25
If your office is accepting intern or clerkship applications, please let us know! We would like to offer more student opportunities in our jobs section. Just email [email protected] and provide a link to the posting.
Idaho:
I was one of the many public defenders in Idaho who resigned recently. Here’s why.
Illinois:
Eye On Illinois: Lawmakers pushing to bolster public defender services
Lawmakers moving forward on public defender reform
Maryland:
Longtime public defender takes oath as new Cecil County judge
Michigan:
Man gains freedom with DNA evidence, help from public defender’s office
Mississippi:
State Defender hopeful pilot program will receive funding in special session
Oregon:
Gov. Tina Kotek fires leader of Oregon Public Defense Commission
Kotek fires head of troubled Oregon public defense agency
Kotek selects new leader of Public Defense Commission to address public defender crisis
Public Defender shortage continues to plague Oregon, Douglas County
South Dakota:
Washington:
WA is divided about our public defender crisis
International:
Jamaica Public Defender’s Office celebrates 25 years of service
Of Interest:
Rachel Rossi Joins Alliance for Justice as New President
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How Participatory Defense has and can help Minnesota Public Defenders w/Damon Drake
4/16/25
The news had been on a 3-week break due to the 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit on April 4 and 5, so this issue covers a lot of ground. For those of you who couldn’t attend the summit, the conference materials will soon be available for purchase for CLE credit. We’ll alert you when they become available.
If your office is accepting intern or clerkship applications, please let us know! We would like to offer more student opportunities in our jobs section. Just email [email protected] and provide a link to the posting.
Arizona:
California:
San Benito Supervisors clash over Public Defender Oversight Committee
Opinion: In California, criminal defense is shaped by money and location
Hochman reinstates death penalty in L.A. County
Georgia:
Georgia lawmakers finally OK system to pay wrongfully convicted with Trump election case rider added
Tiger to serve as public defender (Mountain Circuit)
Idaho:
Legislation muddies waters for some indigent parents
Iowa:
WANTED: Scott County public defenders: ‘I would probably call it a crisis.’
Louisiana:
Louisiana bill might thwart local public defenders fighting to keep their jobs
Maine:
Bill addressing critical shortage of public defenders headed to governor’s desk
Bill to expand Maine public defender office passes the Legislature
Senate Unanimously Advances Amended Version of Bill Addressing Maine’s Indigent Defense Crisis
Judge weighs whether to release defendants before Supreme Court appeal
State commission, lawmakers declare ‘all hands on deck’ effort to address indigent defense crisis
Public Defense Commission submits plans to address case backlog
Opinion: It’s Maine’s duty to solve its years-old public defender crisis
Michigan:
Indigent juvenile defense bill reintroduced in state legislature
MSU Public Defenders Clinic takes unique approach to educating law students
Missouri:
Missouri lawmakers hold back on public defender plans for marijuana money
New Hampshire:
Ayotte crusaded against a ‘broken’ bail system. Defense lawyers say it worked just fine
New Mexico:
Public defender's suit alleges DA moving cases up courts to avoid Spanish translation
State’s Public Defender Commission Appoints Bennett J. Baur For Third Term As Chief Public Defender
New York:
Queens Defenders faces uncertain future after city cuts major contract
North Carolina:
Thomas “Bud” Woodrum Appointed as Chief Public Defender for the 6th Judicial District
Ohio:
Shortage of lawyers concerns local jurists (Lima)
Oklahoma:
Oklahoma House passes bill to eliminate unnecessary fees in criminal justice system
Historic Fees Reform Unanimously Passes House
Oregon:
Oregon public defender crisis far from over, as lawmakers consider different proposals
Pennsylvania:
Public Defenders— $7.5 Million State Funds Falls Short of Staffing Needs
Allegheny County chief public defender placed on leave
Short Staffed, Ceaseless Cases; Local Public Defender Officers Struggle (Erie)
Lancaster County will pay $25,000 from reserves for outside counsel in death penalty case
Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office highlights state funding shortfall for indigent defense
Pennsylvania spending on public defenders is 'unjust,' say advocates in Harrisburg protest
Texas:
State-Funded Legal Defense For Illegal Immigrants Set To Cease On May 1
'You have the right to an attorney' but in parts of Texas, don’t count on It.
You Have the Right to an Attorney. In Texas, That Right Is Routinely Denied.
New public defenders get pay bump but Travis county struggles to retain experienced attorneys
Travis County public defenders demand higher pay as Counsel at First Appearance ramps up
Washington:
Washington’s Yakima County represents breaking point in state’s public defender crisis
Public Defense Union Raises Concerns About Constantine’s Pick for DPD Director (King County)
Some WA Defendants Wait Months In Jail For Public Defenders
In Memoriam:
Former 9th Circuit public defender Bob Wesley dies
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Revival of Public Defense in Santa Cruz County California w/Heather Rogers and Caitlin Becker
Will Governor Jeff Landry's Push to Execute More People get an Innocent Man Killed? w/Piper French
March 2025
3/26/25
The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit is next week! Consider registering for the virtual option, and get 9 CLE credits (including ethics) without having to leave your home or office. The conference is scheduled for April 4 and 5, but the materials will be available for download (with CLE credit) if you aren’t free on those dates.
If your office is accepting intern or clerkship applications, please let us know! We would like to offer more student opportunities in our jobs section. Just email [email protected] and provide a link to the posting.
Happy belated Gideon Day to all our subscribers! This issue of the news covers the last two weeks. Due to the upcoming Public Defense Summit, the news will also be off next week.
National:
Arizona:
California:
CPE Publishes Report on Improving Outcomes for Contra Costa Public Defender Clients
Los Angeles district attorney wants to bring back death penalty
Prosecutor Brooke Jenkins Reshaping Incarceration Trends in San Francisco
Idaho:
Idaho Legislature’s budget committee sets budget for new state office of public defender
Illinois:
Illinois’s public defense crisis
New Chicago Prosecutor Empowers Police To File More Charges Without Review
Public defender’s suit, over displaying photo in IDF uniform, can proceed to discovery, judge rules
Louisiana:
Public defenders defend themselves against firings
Five Louisiana public defenders to be removed from positions in July
Maine:
Emergency bill to shore up public defender system lacks support from Maine civil rights advocates
Opinion: Maine must speed up transition to public defender system
What comes next after ruling determines Maine is violating people’s Constitutional rights
VIDEO: 'This is an emergency': Maine bill would allow public courts to hire private attorneys
Michigan:
Bill stalled in Michigan Congress would support indigent juveniles in court
Minnesota:
Former Hennepin County Chief Public Defender Kassius Benson suspended by Minnesota Supreme Court
Missouri:
VIDEO: Hannibal public defender's office to relocate, enhancing proximity to courthouse
Nevada:
Update: Douglas County approves taking legal defense program in-house
New Jersey:
State police settle lawsuit over yearslong delays in processing expungement orders
N.J. plan to make it harder to see people’s criminal records rejected by Murphy
New York:
Queens Defenders staff unionizes following controversial director’s ouster
North Carolina:
Josh Stein appoints public defender as Gaston County district judge
Ohio:
Shortage of attorneys leaves some without help
Ohio Bar warns of legal service crisis
Oregon:
Lawmakers consider bills to address ongoing Oregon public defender crisis
Public defenders: Invest in real solutions, not half-measures (Opinion)
District attorneys: A framework to put public defense back on track (Opinion)
Oregon is in the midst of an ‘unrepresented crisis’ of public defender shortage, but why?
Pennsylvania:
Audit: Allegheny County public defenders overwhelmed with caseloads
Texas:
'Atrocious' Rural TX Courts Leave People Jailed With No Lawyers
Washington:
Washington among the bottom of states in public defense funding
Wisconsin:
Shredding of legal mail by Wisconsin prisons worries advocates
Of Interest:
How to Fight the Mass Deportation Agenda
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How Trump is Using the Alien Enemies Act to Destroy Due Process Protections w/Nayna Gupta
3/12/25
The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit is coming on April 4 and 5! There’s still plenty of time to register. We hope to see you there, in person or virtually. Connect with other public defenders, knock out most of your CLE requirements, and learn about some of the major issues in public defense from top experts.
Last week’s newsletter went out on Friday, and public defense-related news has been light lately, so this is a short one. But look for an important court ruling out of Maine.
Alabama:
60 years after Bloody Sunday in Alabama, elusive racial progress in Selma
California:
California’s Effort to Reduce, Overturn Unjust Prison Sentences
San Francisco Public Defenders Win Landmark Racial Justice Act Case
Louisiana:
Five Louisiana public defenders to be removed from positions in July
Maine:
Kennebec County Superior Court rules Maine is violating Sixth Amendment
Maine must release people from jail, drop charges if no lawyer available, justice rules
Penobscot County public defenders receiving pressure to take on more cases
Oregon:
Editorial: Budget plan for public defense crisis will help, not solve
VIDEO: Pressure mounts for Oregon to course-correct on plans to reform public defense system
West Virginia:
Mingo County Commission recognizes public defenders; gives funds to hospital
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
3/7/25
The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit is a month away! We hope to see you there, in person or virtually. Connect with other public defenders, knock out most of your CLE requirements, and learn about some of the major issues in public defense from top experts.
California:
Justice and Public Safety Forum Provides New Insights Into Shasta County Challenges
Low salaries, staffing woes, 'crushing' workloads: public safety trouble in Shasta County
Connecticut:
Derby public defender withdraws from consideration for Superior Court bench, officials say
Iowa:
Overworked and underpaid: the indigent defense shortage in Iowa persists
Louisiana:
5 chief public defenders told they will lose jobs following Landry board takeover
Maine:
Opinion: How to really tackle Maine’s indigent defense crisis
Mississippi:
Proposed public defender pilot program aims to better represent indigent defendants in Mississippi
Senate reduces indigent counsel fee increases proposed by House
Nevada:
Bill requires judicial candidates have trial experience, seeks end to secrecy of judicial discipline
New Jersey:
Ohio:
Putnam commissioners discuss possibility of initiating public defender option
Oregon:
Oregon lawmakers scramble for solutions to public defender crisis
Marion County judge warns she may start forcing public defenders to take more cases
Of Interest:
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Was a Former Colorado Public Defender Fired for Raising Concerns over his Workload? w/Travis Weiner
How The American Eugenics Movement Helped Create Habitual Offender Laws w/Daniel Loehr
February 2025
2/28/25
The time to lock in your early bird rate for ABA Public Defense Summit ends on Monday, March 3! Note that virtual attendance is also an option for those who can’t make the trip to Chicago. Many speakers have been announced. Take a look at the speaker page on the above registration link.
Alabama:
Speedy Trial Act bill introduced in Senate
California:
Public defender says Alameda court strike led to rights violations
Judge admonished for 'undignified' behavior, including gestures mimicking pumping of breast milk
Louisiana:
A former criminal judge known as a public defense advocate is running for New Orleans mayor
Maine:
Prosecutors say it’s not just public defense agencies that are struggling to hire over low pay
Maine’s top judge questions why Janet Mills hasn’t filled open judicial seat
Maine owes it to citizens to properly resource judicial branch, chief justice says
Michigan:
Eve Primus Delivers “Blue Jeans” Lecture on Fighting for Systemic Change
Mississippi:
Indigent counsel fees could soon be increased in Mississippi
Missouri:
Public defender’s office draws outrage from Missouri GOP leaders over hiring convicted felon
Missouri public defender fires convicted felon to move budget forward
New York:
Constantia man’s case delayed again due to lack of lawyer
Nebraska:
Fye named Seward County public defender
North Carolina:
Chief public defenders tapped for two districts
North Dakota:
Oregon:
Oregon’s latest plan to reduce public defense crisis makes it worse, analysis says (partial paywall)
Lawmaker loses confidence in public defense leader, calls for National Guard response
Pennsylvania:
South Dakota:
Brown County hires first chief public defender to head new office (partial paywall)
Pilot program will allow new lawyers to swap public service for South Dakota bar exam
Texas:
A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural Texas
Washington:
Okanogan County’s new Office of Public Defender begins to take shape
Mountlake Terrace City council passes public defender agreement, 5-1
Of Interest:
Legal Agitator of Our Time (Book Review)
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Coalition Fighting to Save New York's Discovery Laws w/Amanda Jack and Kalle Condliffe
2/19/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Register by March 3 to lock in your early bird rate, and note that there is a 20 percent discount for group registrations. For those who attend in person, this will be a great way to connect with public defense professionals from around the country in a time of new challenges. Virtual attendance is also an option for those who can’t make the trip to Chicago.
As we typically see when during periods of time where are a lot of major ongoing national news stories, this is a light week for public defense news. We expect this trend will continue until the chaos relents.
National:
Trump: Ex-Death Row Inmates To Live In 'Monstrous' Conditions
California:
I’m 1 of More Than 600 People on CA’s Death Row. Newsom Must End Death Penalty.
Florida:
FACDL and Florida Justice Center unveil clothing closet to aid indigent clients
Maine:
Douglas Rooks: More money is not the answer for Maine’s indigent defense cases
Michigan:
Frustrations continue for attorneys billing Wayne County Indigent Defense Services Department
Mississippi:
Search Mississippi Criminal Justice Bills as They Move Through the Legislature
Missouri:
Public defender’s office draws outrage from Missouri GOP leaders over hiring convicted felon
New Jersey:
Human rights group protests inequities in children getting tried as adults
New York:
Fully funding NYC public transit could reduce fare evasion, crime
Questions linger about public defender's office moves (Niagara County)
Oklahoma:
Stitt Calls for $1.4B Reduction in Budget
North Dakota:
Bill Would Reduce Penalties For Small Amounts of Marijuana in North Dakota
Ohio:
Monroe County commissioners freeze payments, appointments for lawyer who invoiced for $600,000
Richland County may create public defender's office
Oregon:
Deschutes County DA, judge say public defender shortage solved locally, urge state changes
Pennsylvania:
Opinion: Investing in public defenders is essential for justice to be served
Allegheny County public defense system needs major investments, says O'Connor audit
Wisconsin:
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Prosecutorial Reform and the Myth of Individualized Enforcement w/Justin Murray
The Fight to Reform Oklahoma's Failure to Protect Laws w/Alexandra Bailey and Cindy Nguyen
2/12/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Register by March 3 to lock in your early bird rate, and note that there is a 20 percent discount for group registrations. For those who attend in person, this will be a great way to connect with public defense professionals from around the country in a time of new challenges. Virtual attendance is also an option for those who can’t make the trip to Chicago.
Arizona:
Pinal County public defender's office staff recognized
California:
South Bay’s longest-serving public defender reflects on tenure as office looks ahead
Connecticut:
Lamont proposes criminal justice cuts: free messages for CT inmates, public defender access at stake
Georgia:
Coweta attorney Brian Lewis appointed to Public Defender Supervisory Panel
Indiana:
Hancock County weighs cost of public defender’s office
Kansas:
A shortage of public defense attorneys in Kansas could result in courts throwing out criminal cases
Kentucky:
KY lawmakers propose alternatives to incarceration for primary caregivers
New Jersey:
N.J. governor’s big plan to overhaul parole system and give second chances
New Mexico:
House Judiciary approves two public safety bills over the weekend
Oklahoma:
Stitt Calls for $1.4B Reduction in Budget
Ohio:
Commissioners discuss zoning fees, public defenders
Oregon:
Pennsylvania:
Opinion: Investing in public defenders is essential for justice to be served
Public Defender Shortage in PA Sparks Hiring Push
Vermont:
International:
Liberia: Same Faces Every Court Term, Public Defender Decry of Recycle Jurors
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Should we Have Universal Public Defense w/Alexis Hoag-Fordjour
2/5/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Join us on April 4 and 5, in person or virtually, at Chicago’s Northwestern University School of Law for a discussion of important and emerging issues in public defense while earning 9 hours of CLE credit (including 1.5 ethics). Speakers will be announced soon. Take advantage of the early bird deadline to lock in a preferred rate before March 3!
California:
Yuba County celebrates first graduate of new Behavioral Health Court
Georgia:
Fulton County courts clear 93 percent of case backlog
Judge to seat jury in trial of ex-prosecutor accused of shielding Ahmaud Arbery’s killers
Idaho:
Idaho's public defense system asks lawmakers for dozens of new attorneys
Idaho public defender’s proposed budget seeks increases to address defense in rural counties
New public defense office fields JFAC questions
Illinois:
Champaign County Public Defender’s Office is facing a funding crisis after tax referendum fails
Maine:
Lawmaker hopes to alleviate attorney backlog by changing how Maine punishes bail violations
Gov. Mills doubles down on urging Maine’s public defense agency to relax rules
Public defense attorney says other agencies need to help fix Maine's legal backlog
Maine struggles with public defender crisis as costs soar and backlog increases
Massachusetts:
Letter: Access to justice means confronting bar advocate burnout
Minnesota:
Minnesota courts on notice as Laken Riley Act, targeted ICE enforcements go into effect
New York:
Queens Defenders' board forces out controversial executive director
Queens Defenders gets new interim executive director amid leadership shakeup
Legal costs for public defender's office probe topped $20,000 (Niagara Co.)
Ohio:
FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: Recent Indigent Defense Contract Approved
Summit Legal Defenders office expands services, changes locations
Oregon:
Oregon’s public defense crisis: Why thousands go without lawyers, jeopardizing cases
Opinion: Move past rhetoric to find real solutions to public defender crisis
Editorial: Oregon's public defense crisis is predicted to get worse
Pennsylvania:
Public defender shortage in PA sparks hiring push
Lebanon County DA faces backlash as NAACP condemns explosive remarks
Texas:
Texas Fair Defense Fund helps people get legal aid. Migrants are primary recipients: chief.
High Plains Regional Public Defender's Office makes progress with hires, Hale County office location
Vermont:
Where have all the public defenders gone?
Washington:
WA counties want big money to address public defender crisis
Pierce County Council sets legislative priorities
Rep. Debra Entenman’s Conversation With Larry Jefferson, Director Of The Office Of Public Defense
Wyoming:
Wyoming lawyers step up amid public defender shortage
Of Interest:
11 ABA advocacy wins from the 118th Congress
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How One Inconsistent Eye Witness Led to the Wrongful Conviction of Ivery Dorsey w/Kerrie Liang
The Impact of and the Resistance to Mass Deportation Policies w/Hans Meyer and Holly Lucas
Is Kansas Public Defense on the Verge of a Crisis? w/Heather Cessna
January 2025
1/27/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Join us on April 4 and 5 at Chicago’s Northwestern University School of Law for a discussion of important and emerging issues in public defense. This is a hybrid conference, so you can register for the virtual option if you can’t make the trip. Speakers will be announced soon.
It’s a rare Monday newsletter! We hope to be back to the usual Wednesday schedule next week.
California:
LA County’s innovative effort to address public defender conflicts wins plaudits (partial paywall)
Florida:
For the first time in decades, Hillsborough County has a new public defender
'Giant shoes to fill': Daniel Eisinger sworn in as Palm Beach County's new public defender
Georgia:
Troup approves contract with new public defender
Indiana:
Steuben County keeps plugging away at public defender expansion
Public defender implores county council for staff raises (Hancock Co.)
Iowa:
Iowa’s chief justice asks lawmakers for magistrate system changes, judicial pay increases
Louisiana:
Professor Katherine Mattes, key player in Louisiana criminal justice reform, to retire
Maine:
District public defenders: Keeping our promises under the 6th Amendment
ACLU, state conclude arguments in indigent defense trial
Indigent defense trial continues in Augusta
What you need to know about the lawsuit over Maine's public defense system
Indigent defense lawsuit underway in Kennebec County
ACLU says lack of public defense lawyers in Maine erodes trust in courts
Experts talk indigent defense in January ‘radio hour’
Maine public defense agency urges state to fully fund its work
ACLU Asks Maine To Free Jail Inmates Until Counsel Is Available
Maryland:
Public defender, advocates push for Maryland to end automatic charging of youths as adults
Nevada:
New Nevada State Public Defender appointed
New York:
Gov leaves out atty student loan relief from budget
Love it or hate it, New York’s hotly debated bail reform law just turned 5
Public defenders argue their own case (Rochester)
Bronx Defenders form alliance to protect New York evidence sharing requirements
North Dakota:
Port: Indigent defense in North Dakota 'perilously close to a constitutional failure'
Oregon:
Multnomah County public defenders push back against new DA’s comments
Opinion: DA Vasquez is right. The public defense ‘crisis’ is a work stoppage
Pennsylvania:
Frequently Asked Questions About ACLU-PA's Indigent Defense Lawsuit
South Carolina:
Beaufort issues RFP for Indigent legal defense service
South Dakota:
Chief justice says SD would benefit from expanding its new criminal public defense office
Texas:
Rural Texas needs more public defenders. A state commission wants nearly $44M to help
New updates on public defender's office during commissioners court (Victoria)
Virginia:
Bill would expand access to Virginia public defenders, increase prosecutors’ workload
Washington:
Fulmer is concerned about indigent defense costs
Wisconsin:
Lawsuit remains, as Wisconsin public defender shortage persists
Wyoming:
Wyoming Prosecutors Say Widespread Lawyer Shortage Hurting Them Too
Of Interest:
Accessing public defender laptop to send ‘prank’ email costs Jefferson County APA his law license
Report: Public Defense Fees Can Make Justice Unaffordable
International:
Liberia: Public Defense Lawyers Get New Leadership, Pledges Transformation and Accountability
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How to Fight and Abolish the Death Penalty Outside of the Courtroom w/Abraham Bonowitz
How Pueblo Municipal Court Used Contempt of Court to Send People to Jail for Years w/Keri Williams
The Everyday Cruelty in Westminster Municipal Court w/Alison Gordon
The Impact of and the Resistance to Mass Deportation Policies w/Hans Meyer and Holly Lucas
Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons w/Brittany Friedman
How a Petty Theft Could get you 180 Days in Jail in Rifle Municipal Court w/Scott Troxell
1/10/25
Save the date! The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit will be held at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago on April 4 and 5. This will be our first hybrid summit, with both in-person and live virtual attendance options. Registration will open in the New Year, but in the meantime, please sign up to receive an update when registration becomes available. Full course details will be announced in the coming week.
Welcome to 2025! This newsletter goes all the way back to December 19, so let’s get into it.
National:
Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions
Arkansas:
Report on Arkansas' public defender system finds understaffing, overwork
California:
Florida:
Public defender’s motion to remove judge over texts with Miami-Dade State Attorney denied
Idaho:
ACLU files emergency motion against new public defense system
‘Headed for a disaster:’ ACLU asks Idaho Supreme Court to order public defense system reform
Idaho governor recommends $88 million for State Public Defender FY 2026 budget
Kootenai County cases stall as public defender shortage takes hold
Iowa:
Maine:
Judge finds Maine public defender program isn’t meeting constitutional obligations
Experts talk indigent defense in January ‘radio hour’
Missouri:
Lawmakers calling for David Spears termination from public defender’s office
New York:
New Joint Bar Task Force To Tackle Indigent Defense In NYC
North Carolina:
Roy Cooper’s commutations should signal the death penalty’s end in North Carolina
Ohio:
Commissioners approve pact with new group of public defenders (Columbiana)
Pennsylvania:
Kelly Jurs, veteran Chester County public defender, announces run for judge
McKean County's bonus controversy, DA criticizes bonuses and pay disparities amid tax hikes
Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office leadership history
Tennessee:
Tennessee revises lethal injection policy nearly three years after last execution was halted
Texas:
High Plains Regional Public Defender's Office to set up at Hale County Courthouse
Washington:
Okanogan County will bring public defenders in-house
West Virginia:
West Virginia Public Defender Services claims lawyer shortage is a statewide problem
Wyoming:
The ‘ticking time bomb’ facing Wyoming’s public defenders and their clients
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Policies Making Colorado More "Tough on Crime" w/Tristan Gorman and Rebecca Wallace
How Marsy's Law is Undermining the Criminal Legal System w/Ráchael Powers