Here you will find current public defense news, as well as past news archived reverse chronologically. The ABA does not maintain external links.
Public Defense News
Public Defense News Archive
November 2023
11/17/23
Glossy printed booklets of the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense’s Revised Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System will be available very soon. If you’d like copies for your office, email Caroline Lucius at [email protected] with your name, mailing address, and number of copies requested (within reason). We will send them to you free of charge.
A recording of ABA SCLAID and the SMU Deason Center’s webinar on the use of the new Public Defense Workload Study (scroll down for video) and the corresponding public defense principle is now available. Thanks again to Malia Brink and Cynthia Lee for lending their expertise to this important discussion!
This issue of public defense news covers the past 16 days. Our crack news team attended the NLADA Annual Conference in Oakland last week, which was followed by some vacation time. Congrats to the New Mexico Office of the Public Defender, the well-deserved winner of the 2023 Clara Shortridge Foltz Award! The award, presented at the conference’s unforgettable luncheon, was co-sponsored by NLADA and ABA SCLAID.
National:
You have the right to have an attorney. Budget cuts in Congress mean you may not get one.
California:
Court ruling deems Vista judge ineligible to apply for county’s top public defender job
Colorado:
District attorney races focus on spike in crime and prison versus reform
Connecticut:
Controversy over misogynist social media post with sexual reference hits CT Public Defender service
Florida:
Florida public defenders want a raise to stem turnover
Georgia:
Shot at a birthday party, she now faces the high cost of survival
Illinois:
Maine:
U.S. Civil Rights Commission echoes concerns about Maine's indigent legal system
Supreme Judicial Court justice allows indigent defense petition to proceed
Maryland:
AG, Md. public defender to host Baltimore forum about mass incarceration
Michigan:
Macomb County criminal defense attorneys get pay increase
Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reforms Sent To Governor
Alpena defense lawyers welcome new state rules
New Hampshire:
Indigent defense is recovering from crisis but still ‘under a lot of stress’
New Jersey:
My Lawyer Didn’t Tell Me About A Proposed Plea Deal Because He Thought We’d Win
New Mexico:
New Mexico does not have enough legal public defenders
North Carolina:
Bar Association votes to recommend two for appointment as new public defender (Alamance Co.)
Ohio:
Sturgill recognized for work as Allen County Public Defender
Oregon:
Federal appeals court temporarily blocks Oregon judge’s public defense order
Judge: Oregon must appoint public defenders to jailed defendants within 7 days or release them
Federal judge sets jail limit for Oregon detainees without public defenders
Editorial: Oregon's public defender crisis is not going away
'We know it doesn't work:' A Portland public defender on recriminalizing drugs (PAYWALL)
Biden nominates Oregon judge (with PD background) for the federal bench
Tennessee:
Kwame Kilpatrick to lead Memphis nonprofit: What to know about Taking Action for Good
Texas:
Taxpayers foot Boerne businessman's legal bill
Virginia:
Report: Virginia's indigent defense system is in trouble
Staff to present JLARC with study results on legal counsel for indigent defendants in Virginia
Washington:
Press Release: County council approves funding to establish Public Defense office
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
After Serious Positive Overhauls, What is Next For Delaware Public Defense? w/Kevin O'Connell
The Partners for Justice Programs Sparking Change in Public Defense w/Rebecca Solow and Vichal Kumar
11/1/23
This is a double issue of Public Defense News covering the last two weeks.
On October 25, ABA SCLAID and the SMU Deason Center held a webinar on the recently released National Public Defense Workload Study Report. Public defense experts Malia Brink and Cynthia Lee, who both contributed to the Workload Study report, explained the results and uses of the study, with a focus on jurisdiction-specific data and the study results to understand funding needs. You can view a recording of the webinar here.
National:
You Have the Right to an Attorney, but It Might Cost You
California:
AUDIO: Why More Public Defenders Are Adopting a “Holistic” Model
San Francisco fentanyl dealers could face murder charges in fatal overdoses
Colorado:
Aurora could privatize the public defender's office
Florida:
Ex-Public Defender In Florida Faces Contempt Questions
Maryland:
Attorney general, public defender launch collaborative to address inequity in incarceration
New collaborative to take aim at Maryland ‘crisis’ of overincarceration of Black residents
Minnesota:
Mississippi:
New York:
State settles in assigned counsel case
Broome County's next top prosecutor will come from the defense
Tennessee:
VIDEO: Public Defender Pay with Nick Leonardo
Nelson elected president of Public Defenders Conference (partial paywall)
Texas:
Indigent migrants can get legal counsel for Operation Lone Star arrests, Texas Supreme Court says
First step taken to form new public defender office (Victoria)
County Commissioners approve attorney contract (Henderson)
HPD sees high-speed chases plunge 40% after Chief Troy Finner implements tighter policies
Virginia:
Fee bump OK’d for some court-appointed counsel
Washington:
Franklin County supports lawsuit challenging Washington's indigent defense system
Wisconsin:
Prosecutor, public defender vacancies down following pay raises
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Public Defender Policy Team Fighting Back Against San Francisco's Pro-Policing Agenda w/Angela Chan
The Corruption and Coverup that Led to the Wrongful Conviction of Tim Wright w/Adam Deutsch
The Cruel Past, Present and Future of Solitary Confinement w/Keramet Reiter
October 2023
10/18/23
On October 25, join us for the first scheduled webinar on the recently released National Public Defense Workload Study. In this webinar, public defense experts Malia Brink and Cynthia Lee, who both contributed to the Workload Study report, will explain the results and uses of the study. The focus will be on marshaling jurisdiction-specific data and the study results to understand funding needs. Participants will also learn how to use the study to advocate for better resources for attorneys and their clients. Further discussion will be devoted to the recently revised ABA Public Defense Principle on defender workloads, which incorporates the results of the study. This webinar is co-sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid & Indigent Defense and the SMU Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center.
National:
Federal public defenders warn proposed funding would cause layoffs, court delays
California:
SF Public Defender Office Argues Governor Signing New Mentally Ill Measure ‘Step in Wrong Direction’
New chief public defender to take oath this week (Lake County)
OC prosecutors, sheriff’s officials mum on how they are fixing jailhouse informant problems
Florida:
Legal community celebrates Gideon v. Wainwright on Nov. 6 (Jacksonville)
Iowa:
Governor appoints Council Bluffs public defender as associate district judge
Maine:
Commission endorses statewide public defender network for Maine
Agency submits $8.9 million proposal to create public defender offices across state
Indigent legal commission proposes additional public defender offices across Maine
Editorial: Proposal for fuller public defender system is a good start
Maryland:
‘Frivolous’ v. ‘No trust here.’ Rift grows over Maryland judge’s job swap
Massachusetts:
Public-defender group sues State Police for withholding what it says are public documents
Michigan:
Governor makes appointments to Michigan Appellate Defender Commission
Column: Give Michigan judges the opportunity to review long sentences
Senate Approves Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reforms
Press Release: Juvenile Justice Bills Supported by AG Nessel Pass in House, Senate
Mississippi:
Rep. Nick Bain holds public defender hearings as final official act
New Mexico:
Bernalillo County District Attorney sides with city on homeless encampment removal
North Carolina:
District court judge to seek appointment to new public defender post
Ohio:
Findlay evens out on public defender contract
Commissioners welcome Goettke to Public Defender Board (Clinton County)
Oregon:
Oregon Supreme Court dismisses case challenging state public defense system
Mike Schmidt, Portland’s Embattled Prosecutor, Rises to his Own Defense
Pennsylvania:
Opinion: It’s long past time to fully fund PA’s indigent defense systems
A look at Matt Dugan's policies in the race for Allegheny County district attorney
A look at Stephen Zappala's policies in the race for Allegheny County district attorney
Virginia:
Alexandria Lawyer Frees Innocent Man from Death Row
Washington:
Few public defenders, rise in criminal charges strains Cowlitz County municipal courts
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How UnCommon Law Challenges California's Broken System of Parole w/Keith Wattley
How Iowa Makes People Pay for Their Public Defenders w/Darren Page
10/11/23
On October 25, join us for the first scheduled webinar on the recently released National Public Defense Workload Study. In this webinar, public defense experts Malia Brink and Cynthia Lee, who both contributed to the Workload Study report, will explain the results and uses of the study. The focus will be on marshaling jurisdiction-specific data and the study results to understand funding needs. Participants will also learn how to use the study to advocate for better resources for attorneys and their clients. Further discussion will be devoted to the recently revised ABA Public Defense Principle on defender workloads, which incorporates the results of the study. This webinar is co-sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid & Indigent Defense and the SMU Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center.
The Center for Justice Innovation is making a final push for responses to its survey on indigent defense fees charged to clients. While this problem is well known within the defense community, the extent of the issue is not fully documented. Find the 10 minute survey here.
National:
How a New Approach to Public Defense Is Overcoming Mass Incarceration
Biden on pace to match, even exceed Trump's number of lower court judicial appointments
California:
Supervisors OK $3M to help migrants, asylum-seekers
These public defenders are happy to ditch 'mountains' of paper in new documentary
Connecticut:
Top public defender TaShun Bowden-Lewis reprimanded
Quinnipiac law professor Sarah Russell nominated to federal court
Georgia:
Georgia’s district attorney says more money is needed for DNA testing
Law professor discusses Georgia law that could remove district attorneys from office
Fulton County Jail living conditions deteriorating
Iowa:
State Associate Public Defender Appointed As Judge In Judicial District 4
Maine:
Maine’s indigent defense crisis deepens
Mississippi:
Outgoing House leader to hold hearing about state public defense system reforms
Montana:
New public defender joins Lewistown office
Lawsuit against Office of the Public Defender lawyer settled, but with admissions
Oregon:
Public defender at heart of Oregon Supreme Court case changes jobs, prompting state questions
Washington:
WA counties lawsuit presses state to cover more legal defense costs for the poor
Grant County and its 38 counterparts clash with state over public legal defense of the poor
In wake of ‘Blake,’ 1,500 drug convictions scrubbed in Snohomish County
Wisconsin:
State Public Defender Kelli Thompson steps down after 12-year run
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Manifesting Justice: How Wrongfully Convicted Women Reclaim Their Rights w/Valena Beety
10/4/23
On October 25, join us for the first scheduled webinar on the recently released National Public Defense Workload Study. In this webinar, public defense experts Malia Brink and Cynthia Lee, who both contributed to the Workload Study report, will explain the results and uses of the study. The focus will be on marshaling jurisdiction-specific data and the study results to understand funding needs. Participants will also learn how to use the study to advocate for better resources for attorneys and their clients. Further discussion will be devoted to the recently revised ABA Public Defense Principle on defender workloads, which incorporates the results of the study.
This webinar is co-sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid & Indigent Defense and the SMU Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center.
National:
President Biden Names Thirty-Ninth Round of Judicial Nominees
California:
Colorado:
Aurora to discuss privatizing public defender’s office
Georgia:
At least 360 Georgia prison guards have been arrested on contraband charges since 2018
Idaho:
Opinion: Changing the funding of public defense
Louisiana:
We cannot reduce crime and be safe without remaking Tulane and Broad
Maine:
ACLU, Maine officials resume negotiations to improve legal services for poor clients
New Hampshire:
With court cases delayed, New Hampshire Public Defender works to cut down backlog
Public defenders encourage UNH law students to join the career
New Mexico:
High-profile murder case faces delays due to shortage of public defenders
North Carolina:
Western NC courts receive much-needed help
Eight new public defender districts funded in the budget — but legal deserts remain
Fifth district court judge, public defender also included (Alamance County)
Oklahoma:
One Oklahoma lawmaker says Richard Glossip’s claim of innocence should be enough to halt executions
South Dakota:
Legislature’s proposed $10K cap on court appointed attorney fees won’t help Meade County
Washington:
Did Franklin County violate constitutional rights? WA Supreme Court asked to rule
Understaffed jails, treatment centers complicate Seattle’s plan to reduce public drug use
Wisconsin:
Horrified but Optimistic: Criminal Justice System Leaders Assess Pandemic’s Impact in Milwaukee
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How the Ever Expanding Pre-Trial Surveillance Impacts Alaska Public Defense w/Justin Racette
Spetember 2023
9/27/23
Look for more news this week about the National Public Defense Workload Study, including some state-specific articles under the state headings.
National Workload Study Report News:
Report: Public defenders are overworked across the nation
Other National:
1 in 4 inmate deaths happens in the same federal prison. Why?
Florida:
Palm Beach County Public Defender Carey Haughwout announces she won't run for reelection
Mexico is defending an undocumented immigrant arrested under a new Florida law
Idaho:
Press Release: Eric Fredericksen to lead new Office of the State Public Defender
Longtime appellate public defender appointed as new Idaho State Public Defender
Opinion: Changing the funding of public defense
Maine:
The Maine Idea: Indigent defense needs help right now
Letter to the editor: Onus is on state, Mills to fix indigent defense in Maine
Maryland:
Maryland Public Defender: New study highlights need to reduce workloads
Michigan:
Attorney general tosses support behind juvenile justice bills
Bills to eliminating majority of court fees for Michigan juveniles get Senate hearing
Mecosta County to launch indigent defense pilot program
Minnesota:
2 leaders named in Northland public defender's office
Mississippi:
Mississippi’s indigent defense system is broken. Here’s how public defenders want to fix it.
Nevada:
‘Still a ways to go’ but indigent defense is improving in Nevada’s rural counties
A crime bill survived Lombardo’s repeal effort. Has it cut the prison population as promised?
New Mexico:
N.M. public defenders hail new study that says they're overburdened
Oregon:
Supreme Court hears arguments in public defense case
Pennsylvania:
Editorial: Public defenders are overworked, but ‘funding parity’ is a dead end
South Dakota:
Cap on indigent services could protect against unpredictable defense fees
Texas:
Chronicle investigation brings scrutiny to Harris County indigent defense
Utah:
Weber County’s revamped public defender office garners kudos from state
Washington:
Franklin County supports lawsuit challenging Washington's indigent defense system
Wisconsin:
Judge allows lawsuit over delayed public defender appointments to proceed in Brown County
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
A New Database Providing Public Defenders the Latest Social Science Data for Court w/Eve Primus
Rebuilding the New York Legal Aid Society's Union Strength w/Jane Fox
How the Deck is Heavily Stacked Against Federal Public Defenders w/Colin Prince and Jay McEntire
9/20/23
Look for more news this week on the newly released National Public Defense Workload Study.
National Workload Study Report News:
In 'watershed moment,' report recommends new guidelines for public defender caseloads
Public defender caseload standards from 1970s due for overhaul, study says
Public Defender Schedules Are So Swamped It Probably Isn't Constitutional
Alaska:
Gov. Dunleavy appoints Bethel judge to be top public defender and Anchorage judge to Superior Court
California:
VIDEO: Family continues fight for LA County lawyer wrongly detained in Venezuela
Board of Supervisors hire Daly City mayor as new chief public defender
Georgia:
As deportations escalate, lawyers are stepping up defense of immigrants in rural Georgia
Illinois:
‘Where Do We Go From Here?’: Illinois Counties Prep For Massive Changes To Courts And Jails
Disparately resourced public defenders prepare for the end of cash bail in Illinois
County braces for cash bail ending: lost funding and public defender workload increase
Maine:
Justice rejects settlement to overhaul indigent defense in Maine
Civil rights board seeks Department of Justice investigation of Maine indigent defense services
Settlement talks expected to continue in lawsuit over state’s indigent defense system
Michigan:
Hearings to begin on juvenile defense rights
Mississippi:
Mississippi Courts Won’t Say How They Provide Lawyers for Poor Clients
Not Really Sure How Mississippi's Public Defender Program Has Worked The Last Two Decades
Nebraska:
Longtime Nebraska public defense attorney says updated standards make sense
Nevada:
‘Still a ways to go’ but indigent defense is improving in Nevada’s rural counties
New Mexico:
New York:
Legislature appoints Schuyler County public defender
Oklahoma:
Report: Public defenders in Oklahoma work nearly 4 times too many cases
Oregon:
Oregon’s public defense crisis lands at state Supreme Court
Oregon's public defender shortage reaches tipping point
Public defender sues Washington County for racial discrimination at Law Enforcement Center
Texas:
County to receive funds for public defense court admin
Washington:
Our public defender system is at the breaking point
When medical problems are mistaken for child abuse
Wisconsin:
State Public Defender Kelli Thompson resigns
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Imagining Something Better than Washington's Patchwork Public Defender System w/Larry Jefferson
"Why Would You Even Ask That?" The Absurdity of America's Youth Justice System w/Iliana Pujols
9/13/23
The National Public Defense Workload Study Report is now available! The report is a collaboration of the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense (SCLAID), the RAND Corporation, the National Center for State Courts, Arnold Ventures, and indigent defense expert Stephen F. Hanlon. The study is the culmination of 17 previous state-based studies, many of which were conducted by ABA SCLAID. Unlike the widely cited but out-of-date National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals (NAC) standards, the results of this study are based on empirical data and prevailing criminal defense practice standards.
Look for news articles below related to the study results.
This week’s newsletter covers only a five-day period because last week’s news was released on Friday.
National Workload Study Report-Related:
Public Defenders Are 'Dangerously' Overworked, Report Finds
Public defenders work 3 times too many cases, milestone study and new data show
Updated Public Defense Workload Study Calls for Reduction in Overburdened Caseloads
ACLU Responds to National Public Defense Workload Study
NLADA, BPDA, and ACCD Joint Statement on the New National Public Defense Workload Study
Other National:
Biden continues push to diversify judiciary with four new nominees
Welch speaks out against cutting federal defender budget
Louisiana:
Louisiana State Bar Association Recognized With Prestigious Harrison Tweed Award
Minnesota:
A promising choice for public safety chief
New Mexico:
New National Public Defense Workload Standards Released
New York:
Schuyler County appoints new Public Defender
County Discusses Waiving Residency Requirement For Public Defender’s Office Positions
Ten years after Brooklyn District Attorney Joe Hynes was defeated, what has changed?
North Carolina:
Vance County lacks defense attorneys for the indigent
Ohio:
Six years of bail reform in Cuyahoga County: A Timeline
Oregon:
6th Circuit Court issues emergency plan if there’s a defense attorney shortage
Pennsylvania:
The last part of the Pa. budget standoff is costing state courts millions of dollars
Texas:
Amarillo City Council, Potter and Randall counties among this week's meetings
Virginia:
State's public defenders deal with heavy case loads and low pay
Washington:
Washington counties sue state over indigent criminal defense costs
County suing state over defense outlays
Wisconsin:
GOP lawmakers introduce bills to address Wisconsin's criminal case backlog
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The NAPD's Plan to Leverage the National Workload Study for Policy Victories w/Cydni Sanchez
How the Georgia AG is using RICO to Punish Free Speech and Cop City Protesters w/Devin Franklin
9/8/23
ABA SCLAID has added a new webpage for easy viewing of the newly revised Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System. Check it out here.
You can also view a recording of the ABA’s Second-Look Sentencing webinar here. Thanks to the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice for co-sponsoring.
California:
L.A. County Public Defender Upgrades Case Management System With AWS
Search for new San Diego public defender on pause after judge sues over eligibility dispute
Sacramento district attorney overreaches on the homeless debate
CARE courts open in a month, promising hope for families. Not everyone is so sure
VIDEO: A California Public Defender's Fight For Forgiveness
Colorado:
Racial bias proposal for jury selection remains stalled in state Supreme Court
Illinois:
Grundy Co. Public Defender's Office Could Be Adding New Officer Manager Position
Maine:
Settlement Reached in ACLU of Maine Lawsuit Over Public Defenders
Judge says settlement agreement for indigent defense system may not go far enough
Judge skeptical of agreement to drop Maine ACLU lawsuit over low-income representation
Mississippi:
State’s small group of public defenders face low pay, high caseloads
Missouri:
Member of oversight board is arrested seeking answers about deaths at St. Louis jail
Nebraska:
Box Butte County accepts public defender’s letter of resignation
New York:
NY sees surge in botched prosecutions due to 'speedy trial' errors
North Carolina:
Fractured: A public conversation (AUDIO)
Oklahoma:
Pennsylvania:
The last part of the Pa. budget standoff is costing state courts millions of dollars
South Dakota:
Proposed Recommendations Of Task Force Would Set Up Statewide Public Defender Office
Virginia:
Federal Public Defender Speaks at Public Service Kickoff
Washington:
West Virginia:
New federal public defender for Western Virginia starts job
Wisconsin:
Kelli Thompson leaving post as state public defender
Kelli Thompson Stepping Down as State Public Defender
Wisconsin State Public Defender Kelli Thompson reflects on 12 years overseeing agency
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Racist History of the "Child Welfare" System w/Ieshaah Murphy
Death in Custody: How America Ignores the Truth and What We Can Do about It w/Jay Aronson
August 2023
8/30/23
Join us on September 6, 2023 at 2 pm eastern for a free ABA webinar, Second-Look Sentencing: What is Working?, which will explore different attempts to implement second-look sentencing policies and evaluate which systems have achieved the identified goals. This will be the first in a series of webinars on second-look sentencing, sponsored by ABA SCLAID and the Section on Civil Rights and Social Justice.
National:
The Fixes Our Public Defense Systems Badly Need
Arkansas:
Public defenders' situation dire, official says
California:
VIDEO: Judge says Antioch police officers don't have to testify in Racial Justice Act hearing
Georgia:
Internal records reveal concerns about state public defender struggles
While Fulton County Goes After Donald Trump, It Leaves Thousands Languishing in Jail
Maine:
ACLU, Maine officials reach deal on lawyers for poor
Settlement reached by Maine, ACLU to overhaul indigent legal services
State agrees to reforms of indigent defense system as part of proposed legal settlement
Maine chief justice asks legal community to help represent indigent clients
Michigan:
Macomb County Public Defenders unionize
Mississippi:
‘Controversial’ posts from sheriff spark rift with DA
Nebraska:
Nebraska State Bar Association and Legal Aid stop in North Platte during summer tour
Oregon:
Opinion: The crisis of mismanagement driving Oregon’s public defense troubles
Private investigators demand $75 hourly rates, threaten to stop taking public defense cases
Public defenders sue Washington County over what they say is systemic courthouse racism
South Dakota:
Indigent defense panel makes recommendations
Texas:
TIDC awards Potter County more than $3.4 million for new public defender office
Victoria County gets $1.4M for public defender office
Virginia:
New federal public defender for western Virginia starts job
Washington:
New hotline has connected kids to lawyers more than 3,000 times
Guam:
AG and Director of Public Defenders back-and-forth about ineligible representation
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Putting the Genie Back in the Bottle: Why the Use and Expansion of RICO is Bad w/Martin Sabelli
The Coalition Fighting to End the Trial Penalty w/Martin Sabelli and Nathan Pysno
Without Trust Between Client and Counsel, Litigation is Limited w/Alexander Kostal
8/23/23
Join us on September 6, 2023 at 2 pm eastern for a free ABA webinar, Second-Look Sentencing: What is Working?, which will explore different attempts to implement second-look sentencing policies and evaluate which systems have achieved the identified goals. This will be the first in a series of webinars on second-look sentencing, sponsored by ABA SCLAID and the Section on Civil Rights and Social Justice.
In case you missed it last week, the ABA enacted a revised 10 Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System this month. More materials on this important new policy will be released in the coming weeks and months.
Alaska:
Alaska Judicial Council holds public meeting for Alaska Public Defender vacancy
California:
VIDEO: Group holds rally amid Alameda County District Attorney concerns
Colorado:
Among Colorado judges, former prosecutors outnumber public defenders 2-to-1
New Jersey:
New Jersey Took A Big Step Toward Eliminating Public Defender Fees. But Some Costs Remain.
Oregon:
Oregon prosecutors press for higher caseloads for public defenders as jail release deadline looms
Pennsylvania:
Oakland County budget hearings are underway
PA Senate Will Return to Session Next Week
South Dakota:
SD Public Defender Proposal Won’t Provide Relief To Cash-Strapped Counties, Legislator Says
Texas:
Governor Abbott Appoints Bunin, Cohen To Governing Board Of The Texas Indigent Defense Commission
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
What Led to the Unionization of Maryland Public Defense w/Edie Fortuna and Jose Teneza
Jury Nullification, Conscientious Acquittal, and the Fight To Regain Jury Independence w/Clark Neily
It's Time to Abolish the Legalized Theft that is Civil Forfeiture w/Dan Alban
8/16/23
At the ABA’s Annual Meeting in Denver last week, the ABA House of Delegates adopted the Revised 10 Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System. The original principles, adopted in 2002, have been relied upon by public defense stakeholders across the country in evaluating the quality of their indigent defense systems. The Revised Principles retain the core commitments of the original, while also updating them to meet the needs of clients in the modern age. The Revised Principles provide new guidance on data collection, training, cultural competency, and workloads. In the coming weeks and months, look for more updates on the Revised Principles, including webinars and other training programs.
National:
“We’re Only Here to Watch”: How courtwatchers are shifting the power dynamics in criminal courtrooms
California:
Indiana:
Koch reappointed to the Indiana Public Defender Commission
Maine:
Judge warns of 'constitutional crisis' if shortage of defense lawyers continues
Michigan:
Social worker an important investment (Northeast)
Missouri:
Messenger: Public defenders are overworked. St. Louis attorney seeks a national solution.
Nebraska:
Hall County Public Defender hit by truck while crossing the street
New York:
Steuben County Public Defenders Office honored at NYSDA conference
Chautauqua County's Chief Public Defender receives state award
Ohio:
Indigent defense payments still an issue for Henry county
Oregon:
ACLU Oregon lauds progress on public defender shortage, homeless, health care
Public defender shortage holds up case against alleged murderers
Pennsylvania:
Gov. Shapiro Signs $45 Billion Budget, Calls it a Win for Pennsylvanians
Press Release: Governor Shapiro Signs Into Law Commonsense Budget
Texas:
You Have a Right to Counsel. So Why Doesn’t Travis County Allow Attorneys at Bail Hearings?
Despite years of client complaints, Houston lawyer made $586,000 in 2022 on indigent defense
Texas separates migrant families, detaining fathers on trespassing charges in latest border move
West Virginia:
Public Defender’s Office offers free back-to-school haircuts
International:
Israeli Prisons in crisis with overcrowding, abject conditions - public defender
Of Interest:
In Memoriam:
Charles J. Ogletree Jr., 70, Dies; at Harvard Law, a Voice for Equal Justice
Charles Ogletree, Death Penalty Scholar and Criminal Defense Advocate, Dies at 70
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Never Ending Torture of Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri at Guantanamo Bay w/Annie Morgan
The Campaign to Close Rikers Island w/Richard Willstatter and Stan German
What Led to the Unionization of Maryland Public Defense w/Edie Fortuna and Jose Teneza
July 2023
7/28/23
There is a lot of news from all over this week, but the most pressing issue is the massive budget cuts facing the federal public defense system, which would come at a time when recent work studies have shown federal defenders are already stretched thin. This issue was mentioned in last week’s newsletter and now, as linked below, there are several news articles on the issue. These cuts would likely mean extensive layoffs at federal defender offices, as well as delayed and reduced payments to appointed counsel. Clients will face delayed resolution and representation by attorneys with unmanageable caseloads. Since there is some evidence that these proposed budget cuts are due to an oversight, consider calling your House and Senate representatives to let them know you are concerned about this matter.
Note that this week’s news covers a longer period than usual because it is going out on Friday instead of Wednesday.
National:
US Public Defenders Could Lose Hundreds of Staff in Budget Shortfall
Federal public defenders warn budget cuts may threaten ability to represent clients
Public defenders' low income clients will suffer the most from funding crisis
Potential Budgeting Oversight Threatens Federal Public Defender Funds
How Public Defenders Can Use Social Media To Drive Change
California:
Ninth Circuit overturns political fundraising ban for local government employees
San Diego task force uses data to understand homelessness, dispel myths
Colorado:
Colorado's federal public defender sounds alarm on cuts to criminal defense
Connecticut:
Connecticut’s chief public defender speaks out about turmoil in her agency
D.C.:
‘Why is my child always on lockdown?’: Confinement at D.C.’s youth jail worries parents, advocates
Florida:
Florida Supreme Court Reprimands Judge For Showing Bias During Parkland Shooting Trial
Georgia:
Georgia Legislature Passes Arizona-Style Immigration Bill
Georgia attorney was disbarred from practicing law after depleting client’s bank account in prison
Idaho:
Idaho panel accepting applications for new state public defender position
Kansas:
President Biden nominates a Kansas public defender for federal circuit court judgeship
Joe Biden taps Kansas federal public defender, military judge for appeals court seat
Maryland:
Marijuana legalization and expungement righting wrongs of the past
Michigan:
Montcalm County prosecutors, public defender make pitch for parity
Public Defenders Office seeing success two years in (Northeast MI)
Happy to see success at Defenders Office (Northeast MI)
Mississippi:
Supervisors say no to Hinds County Public Defenders pay raise
Nebraska:
Nebraska Teen Sentenced to Jail After Abortion Said She Didn't Want Child With Abusive Partner
New York:
Federal prosecutor joins call for Rikers receivership
Oklahoma:
Oregon:
A Public Defender Couldn’t Reach Her Client Inside the Dysfunctional Multnomah County Jail
Pennsylvania:
'No shortage of work': Fewer lawyers, more cases in rural counties
Editorial: Republicans, stop sulking and move the budget forward
Partners for Justice is expanding to Philly, bringing ‘bureaucracy doulas’ to the court system
Filling public defender positions a statewide issue
Texas:
VIDEO: Nueces County Public Defender's Office begins taking cases
Travis County to get new department set on easing access to ‘effective legal representation’
Dallas County’s jail population swells as technology troubles persist
Editorial: Public defenders' office will benefit many (Victoria)
The Grio: Who is Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett?
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Race and Class Dynamics Haunting the Connecticut Family Policing System w/Josh Michtom
The Driving Force Behind the Growth of Santa Barbara Public Defense w/Deepak Budwani
7/19/23
There have been no media reports yet, but federal public defense funding is facing a severe budget shortfall - about $150 million less than what was requested - in Fiscal Year 2024 under current House and Senate Appropriation bills. This would mean less funding for federal public defender offices and delayed or reduced payments to CJA Panel attorneys. This appropriations bill is by no means final, however, and could be corrected via the House and Senate conference process. We will continue to follow this issue as it unfolds.
National:
Marshall Project – For Many, a Lawyer Is a Luxury Out of Reach
Biden’s diverse judicial nominees move swiftly through Democratic Senate after spring frustrations
California:
Riverside County failed to respond to public records requests, ACLU lawsuit alleges
Some San Francisco drug dealers make $350,000 every year, still get free legal defense in court(a link to an article is not necessarily an endorsement of its contents – ed.)
SF supe courts controversy in approach to fentanyl epidemic
Marin criminal cases tossed amid assault charges against ex-cops
Georgia:
Idaho:
Press Release: Idaho panel accepting applications for new State Public Defender position
Indiana:
Kansas:
Press Release: Riley County Request for Proposals for Indigent Defense Services
Maine:
State says defendants in 100 cases were without legal representation late this week
Maryland:
Maryland Public Defender continues fight for decriminalizing weed: 'We must end this war on drugs'
VIDEO: Maryland Public Defender holds meeting on marijuana laws
Michigan:
Branch Co. Commissioners approve state funded full time social worker for Public Defender’s office
New York:
Rikers detainee dies: William Johnstone becomes sixth person in DOC custody to die this year
North Carolina:
Rural counties hit hardest by North Carolina's attorney shortage
Oregon:
6AC: Oregon passes sweeping indigent defense reforms
Former head of Oregon public defense settles with state for $380,000
Pennsylvania:
Pa. budget’s big ideas likely to generate fiscal code fights as impasse grinds on
Texas:
Victoria County receives multi-year grant to build a public defender office
Texas public safety agencies buy software to integrate data
In Memoriam:
Melvin Wulf – former ACLU Legal Director
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How the Civil Rights Corps is Uncovering and Challenging Prosecutorial Misconduct w/Peter Santina
7/12/23
This week, look for news on indigent defense funding in Pennsylvania and new developments in Maine, as well as an in-depth video exposé on the national impact of the public defense shortage.
National:
The Sixth: A Public Defender Crisis (VIDEO)
California:
3 SoCal representatives join push to free LA public defender from Venezuelan prison
California clears largest cache of criminal records in U.S. history
L.A. County’s public defender uses AI to improve client management
Colorado:
No lawyers for miles: Rural Colorado’s shortage of attorneys is “hitting a crisis point”
Illinois:
Ex-Riverside Chief Wants To Fix Public Defense
Maine:
Maine’s new public defenders aim to close attorney shortage in rural areas
Letter to the editor: Maine indigent defense system needs funding to resolve constitutional crisis
Michigan:
How Can Michigan Prosecutors Work If The Poor Are Adequately Defended?
Whitmer appoints public defense attorney, lottery commissioner to 61st District Court
Commissioners question Public Defender’s request for social worker (Branch County)
County commission concerned about future public defender funding
Minnesota:
Minnesota public defenders to get as much as $66,000 raises under tentative agreement
Missouri:
How Missouri’s ‘Felony Murder’ Law Traps People For Defending Themselves
Nebraska:
Todd Lancaster named new top lawyer at state public defender’s office
Madison County board gives OK to office remodeling
New Jersey:
6AC: New Jersey abolishes public defender reimbursement fees in felony cases
New York:
Q&A: Danielle Ponder’s Incredible Story, From Public Defender To Superstar
St. Lawrence County legislators approve budget modifications and grant funding
North Carolina:
Pender County opens first public defender’s office
Oregon:
Oregon’s new federal public defender is 16-year veteran of office
Pennsylvania:
The Pa. budget standoff deepened as Senate Republicans signaled no intent to return to Harrisburg
Philadelphia House Delegation pleased with increased funding on budget priorities
Longtime chief public defender in Washington County retires
The latest cash-bail reform plan: Give everyone a lawyer
Texas:
Four Years in Jail Without Trial: A New Public Defender Office Comes to Hays County, Texas
Utah:
Delta City adds two new public defenders
Washington:
Whatcom County taking steps to find public defenders for people, some who are still in jail
Of Interest:
Use of App to Monitor Accused People and Their Families Raises Concerns
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Colorado Bond Law Enriching the Bail Bond Industry w/Katie Yens
While She Breathes, She Hopes for a Better Future for South Carolina Public Safety w/Cameron Blazer
7/5/23
The holiday made for a light news week. But there is one big news item: New Jersey ended fees for public defense services!
California:
Public Defenders Continue to Protest Court Backlog in San Francisco
Florida:
DeSantis should take note: Florida doesn’t always get justice right the first time | Opinion
After 36 years, this Pinellas-Pasco public defender is leaving the courtroom
Illinois:
Pay increases for Knox County state’s attorney, sheriff, and public defender
Maine:
New state legal defense director wants to bring young attorneys in to do ‘important work’
Michigan:
Michigan prosecutors push back as state allocates millions for indigent defense
Mississippi:
Shortcoming in MS indigent defense
Hinds County public defender’s office near crisis over loss of attorneys
Nevada:
Alternate Public Defender Marc Picker Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
New Jerseys:
New NJ law ends fees, penalties for people using public defenders
NJ Gets Rid Of Public Defender Fees With New Law
Gov. Murphy Says New Jersey Most Progressive On Criminal Justice
Pennsylvania:
EDITORIAL: State Senate should OK indigent defense bill (paywall)
Ex-chief public defender to run for Pennsylvania attorney general
Of Interest:
Editorial: Bring Back The Jury Trial
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Tech Solutions that can Propel Public Defense into the Future w/Rocky Ramirez
June 2023
6/28/23
Look for news this week about new public defense funding in Oregon, as well as ongoing litigation in Maine.
National:
California:
San Mateo County OKs private defender contract
Florida:
Georgia:
Anti-gang law in Georgia set to go into effect July 1
Illinois:
Final arguments: Long-time Morgan public defender set to retire
Local residents getting scammed with fraudulent criminal justice phone calls
Maine:
ACLU, state agency near settlement plan on legal representation for indigent clients
Maine legislative agenda could chip away at lawsuit’s gripes against indigent defense system
Massachusetts:
Massachusetts District Attorney Sued for Refusing To Release Names of Problem Cops
Michigan:
Isabella renews public defender research contract
New Jersey:
Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Murphy’s Supreme Court pick on Monday
Oregon:
Oregon lawmakers put $96 million toward public defender crisis
VIDEO: Multnomah County DA “Optimistic” About Defender Shortage
Public defense system gets help
Oregon lawmakers agree to big changes in public defense, with big work left to be done
Legislature approves more than $90 million to solve public defender crisis, but details remain murky
Pennsylvania:
AG Days: Who’s running for Pennsylvania attorney general?
South Dakota:
Sen. Schoenbeck talks public defenders with Codington County Commission
Tennessee:
Sullivan County working to address bail issues while under threat of lawsuit
Texas:
Travis County Tries to Fix Its Public Defense Problems
Utah:
Washington:
Could a public defender’s office be next for Clark County?
Public Defenseless:
Poverty, Prison, and a Path to Redemption w/Champ Napier
6/21/23
There’s a little bit of news from all over this week, including an update on New Jersey’s effort to end public defense fees.
National:
Suffering the Smoldering Wrath: On Allen Goodman’s “Everyone Against Us”
Report: Information on Whether DOJ Grants Were Used to Fund Cash Bond
Criminalized Survivors Face Judgement and Abuse From Their Own Defense Attorneys
Arizona:
Man is freed after nearly 28 years on death row in Arizona
California:
San Francisco Defeats Former Prosecutor’s Free Speech Lawsuit
Massachusetts:
Court leaves no room for racism or bias in judicial system
Nevada:
Carson City Board creates public defender office, hires Charles Odgers
New Jersey:
Lawmakers seek end to public defender fees, liens
New York:
Council calls on NYC mayor to increase funds for public defenders
Cracks about high heels, pregnancy in complaint against public defender (Schenectady)
North Carolina:
All Things Judicial Features Interview with Former Chief Public Defender Wallace C. Harrelson
Ohio:
City, county getting closer to agreement on indigent legal service costs (Hocking Co.)
Oregon:
Oregon Supreme Court sides with public defender who objected to taking case
To persuade public defenders to stay, Oregon needs to pay more. Lawmakers aren’t saying by how much
Pennsylvania:
Editorial: State Senate should approve indigent defense bill
New chief public defender appointed in Montgomery County
Former Public Defender Bradford-Grey Announces Campaign For Attorney General
Texas:
Addressing legal inequities: Brazos County Public Defender’s Office makes strides in first months
Bell County Commissioners hear presentation on county indigent defense system
District Attorney's Office (Tom Green Co.) 'Crippled' by Budget Busting Salary 'Crisis'
Public Defenseless:
Fostering the Public Voice of the Public Defender w/Kay Levine and Russell Gold
6/14/23
This is a very light week for Public Defense News, as the indictment of one decidedly not indigent person has grabbed most of the criminal law related headlines.
National:
Progressive Judges May Have Found a Use for Clarence Thomas’ Terrible Guns Ruling
Would nearly all felon gun bans be struck down under new 3rd Circuit opinion? Dissenter thinks so
California:
SF Public Defender and Taxpayers Granted Right to Sue Over COVID Courtroom Closures
Veteran San Diego defense lawyer Stephen Cline collapses during court argument, later dies
Santa Clara County District Attorney awards $60,000 to community groups fighting racial inequity
All cases linked to Antioch officers in texting scandal to be reviewed: 'Absolutely unprecedented'
Colorado:
Maine:
Civil rights group may seek Department of Justice investigation of Maine indigent defense system
Rights group may seek federal probe of Maine indigent defense system
Nevada:
Supervisors could appoint (Carson City) public defender Thursday
Oklahoma:
Pennsylvania:
Press Release: HB 1085 Establishing an Indigent Defense Advisory Committee and Grant Fund
Lehigh County Public defenders to serve up free food, clothes, legal services Saturday in Allentown
Texas:
Victoria County to receive indigent criminal defense grant
Wisconsin:
Attorney Joe Miotke: Reappointed to Wisconsin State Public Defender Board by Governor Tony Evers
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
6/7/23
National:
Well-Equipped Public Defenders Can Help Reduce Recidivism
California:
Meeting with a Lawyer Shortly after Arrest Improves Case Outcomes (Santa Clara)
Skepticism surrounds board’s approval of public defender position (Del Norte)
Colorado:
A look at Biden's first four judicial appointees
Florida:
Florida judge who oversaw Parkland mass shooting trial should be reprimanded, commission says
Gov. DeSantis signs bill raising penalties for attacking defense attorneys, public defenders
Georgia:
Georgia defender agency sued for alleged open records violations
Gov. Signs Legislation Toughening Georgia Gang Penalties
Criminal defense attorney: Charges against ‘Cop City’ protesters ‘will likely stick’
Iowa:
Gov. Kim Reynolds approves final bills from the 2023 legislative session
Kansas:
Sedgwick Co. public defender’s office closed due to short staffing
Louisiana:
East Baton Rouge, Plaquemines head public defenders don’t get new contracts from state board
Maryland:
Enforcing minor crimes will return 'accountability' to Baltimore, new top prosecutor says
Missouri:
St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell running for U.S. Senate
Nevada:
Carson City Supervisors OK new Public Defender Office, budget approval pending
Supervisors move forward on public defender’s office
New York:
NY Clean Slate bill to seal criminal records could pass. What it would do
Under Scrutiny for New Deaths, Rikers Officials Shut Down Communication
Manhattan prosecutor drops over 300 convictions tied NYPD cops guilty of crimes
North Carolina:
Senate budget includes large changes for WNC courts
Oregon:
Public safety bills, budgets await action amid Oregon's Republican Senate walkout
Pennsylvania:
Editorial: Allegheny County needs to pay its court-appointed attorneys better
Rhode Island:
The death of a woman in custody is throwing light on Rhode Island's probation rules
Texas:
Attorneys say criminal justice in Dallas is in ‘paralysis’ due to upgrade woes
Virginia:
We Need A Public Defender's Office (Harrisonburg)
Washington:
Why Prosecutors in Washington Are Recharging a Man Police Nearly Beat to Death
Wisconsin:
Opening the case on Wisconsin’s public defender problem
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
You Might Go to Prison Even Though You're Innocent w/Justin Brooks