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Public Defense News

Public Defense News Archive

Here you will find current public defense news, as well as past news archived reverse chronologically. The ABA does not maintain external links.

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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

Public Defenders Urge State Supreme Court to Uphold Its 2021 Bail Ruling and to Reject Efforts to Undermine It

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:

Attorney shortage, large caseloads force Adams County Public Defender’s office to turn down new felony cases

Maine:

‘It’s incredibly stressful:’ Aroostook defendants say weeks spent without attorneys makes defense impossible

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:

Opinion: The defense must not rest; The state makes progress on counsel for indigent defendants, but more is needed

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

Clark County Council greenlights establishment of Public Defender office, plans shift from contract model

Podcasts:

Public Defenseless:

After Serious Positive Overhauls, What is Next For Delaware Public Defense? w/Kevin O'Connell

Looking to Other Countries to Push Back Against the Cruelty of the American Youth Legal System w/Betsy Clarke

After 17 Years of Incarceration, One Man's Fight to Radically Reimagine the American Legal System w/Sean Wilson

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

Governor Newsom Appointments

San Francisco fentanyl dealers could face murder charges in fatal overdoses

Colorado:

Aurora could privatize the public defender's office

DOUG WILSON: Councilmember Zvonek tries to undermine rights of poor with wrong defender ploy (Aurora)

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:

'Inappropriate, outrageous, illegal': Public defenders, AG challenge judge’s sentences prohibiting probationers from voting

Mississippi:

The Mississippi Supreme Court Moved to Ensure Poor Criminal Defendants Would Always Have a Lawyer. It’s Not Working.

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

How Does the Tennessee Youth Legal System Allow Judges to Make up Crimes and Illegally Jail Kids w/Christina Kleiser and Meribah Knight

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

Judges, sheriffs ask Maine Supreme Court to dismiss petition filed by woman held in jail without a lawyer

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

The use of jailhouse snitches in Orange County bungled at least 57 criminal cases, public defender says

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

Defending those that Protested Against Police Brutality and the Killing of Elijah McClain w/Amelia Power

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:

COURT WATCH: Public Defender Files Second Racial Justice Act Motion for Black Accused – Cites Prosecution Due to ‘Racial Animus’

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

The NDS Harlem Union's Fight for a Fair Contract Amidst New York's Housing Crisis w/William Botchway, Naomi Schachter, Jeremy Tinsley

The Innocence Project's Future Fight Against Racial Bias and Emerging Junk Sciences w/Christina Swarns

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

Public Defender Carey Haughwout, who has served more than 20 years, won’t seek reelection. ‘I have loved my job.’

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

Oregon public-defense agency gives private investigators hourly rate hike; critics say it’s not nearly enough

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

Alaska's Brief Moment of Criminal Justice Reform and their Turn to Tough on Crime Policies w/Mike Garvey and Megan Edge

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

Editorial: Maine needs to speed up a public defender system to solve its crisis of legal representation

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:

VIDEO: New Mexico’s public defenders are the last line of defense for the accused, but there’s a resource issue

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

Will a New Data Driven Approach Be the Key to the Future for Montana Public Defense w/Brett Schandelson

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:

What is Causing the Indiana Public Defender System to Fail w/Ashley Spolarich, Deana Martin, and Joel Schumm

The Communication Breakdown Eroding Trust in the Colorado Public Defender System w/Kiyomi Bolick, Mike Kubicek, and Oliver Rose Katz

Unveiling the National Public Defender Workload Standards and the Strategy to Implement Them w/Stephen Hanlon

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

Guest Commentary: The San Francisco Public Defender’s Office – A Powerhouse for Fearless Advocacy and Equal Rights in the Justice System

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

REPORT: Mississippi Public Defender Structure Underfunded, Causes Those Who Can’t Afford Attorney to Languish in Jail

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

Prosecutors Review Dozens Of Cases After NYPD Informed Them — Eight Years Later — Of A Detective's Fingerprint Mistake

North Carolina:

Fractured: A public conversation (AUDIO)

Oklahoma:

People with mental illness are more likely to die in jail. A new Oklahoma County program puts them in treatment instead

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:

Prosecutor asks judge to recuse himself in Spokane cases after he wrote that Black man’s now-overturned conviction was indicative of racism

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

How the NY Legal Aid Created a Digital Forensics Unit to Push Back on the Power of Police and Prosecutors w/Jerome Greco

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

Indigent Legal Services Task Force Layout Seven Recommendations To Address Increasing Costs For Court Appointed Attorneys

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

The Political and Personal Agenda Behind Governor DeSantis' Removal of State Attorney Monique Worrell w/Andrew Darling

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

Federal judge orders release of county's unrepresented defendants, says problem is 'complete tragedy'

VIDEO: Washington County ordered to release defendants from jail if public defenders aren't available

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

Because of its Systemic Indifference to Suffering, Oklahoma Keeps Punishing Domestic Violence Survivors w/Colleen McCarty and Leslie Briggs

The Fulton County Jail, Cop City, and the Deafening Silence of the Georgia Public Defense Council w/Devin Franklin

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

To Fix Detroit Public Defense, There Must be a Fair Contract for the Neighborhood Defender Services of Detroit w/Cait De Mott Grady, Tom Molina-Duarte, Jonathan Roberts

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:

ABA House OKs updated 10 principles for public defense; 'we cannot allow a two-tier system of justice'

“We’re Only Here to Watch”: How courtwatchers are shifting the power dynamics in criminal courtrooms

California:

SF Public Defender’s Office Condemns Supervisor’s Plan to Re-Allocate Funding to Ineffective, Traumatizing Jail-Based Drug Treatment

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:

No Money, No Justice: How Oregon's Refusal to Fairly Pay Court Experts Caused a Public Defense Crisis

National ‘embarrassment’: Oregon judge sets 10-day deadline to release people held in jail without lawyer

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:

At 40, she quit her job as a public defender to launch a singing career. She just played Lollapalooza

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:

Oklahoma is trying to treat people with severe mental illness in jail, but many still languish in cells waiting for hospital beds

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

Press Release: Riverside is the only CA county to completely disregard public records requests related to indigent defense

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:

Lawyers say a man in a Georgia cell was ‘eaten alive’ by insects. Now the government is investigating the prison

Idaho:

Press Release: Idaho panel accepting applications for new State Public Defender position

Indiana:

Attorneys hard to find for prosecutor, public defender openings: Shortage of public attorneys leaves offices scrambling to manage caseloads

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:

If You Cannot Afford an Attorney, One Will not Be Appointed to You w/ Dr. Andrew Davies, Dr. Victoria Smiegocki, and Shelby Sirivore

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

Do accused fentanyl dealers qualify for public defenders? S.F. official seeks review after Chronicle investigation

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

Commissioners approve state funded full time social worker for Branch County Public Defender’s office

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:

Press Release: Pennsylvania House Passes Bipartisan Budget That Delivers on Governor Shapiro’s Key Priorities

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:

‘Somebody dropped the ball’: Sakai says he was blindsided by fee increase for indigent defense (San Antonio)

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

President Biden Now Outpacing Presidents Trump, Obama, and George W. Bush on Federal Judicial Confirmations

Podcasts:

Public Defenseless:

The Tech Solutions that can Propel Public Defense into the Future w/Rocky Ramirez

Autonomy to Decide: Managing an Effective Defense with a Challenging Client w/Randy Fiedler and Stacy Newman

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:

Lawyers’ Committee Applauds Historic Senate Confirmations of Julie Rikelman, Nusrat Choudhury, and Natasha Merle to Federal Bench

California:

San Mateo County OKs private defender contract

Florida:

‘A mess for a while’: Changes to Florida’s death penalty laws causing issues in high-profile local murder cases

Georgia:

Anti-gang law in Georgia set to go into effect July 1

DeKalb County district attorney withdraws from prosecution related to proposed ‘Cop City’ training center near Atlanta

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:

County receives grants for indigent defense, plans to apply for special funds for defense in Dylan Rounds’ case

Washington:

Could a public defender’s office be next for Clark County?

Public Defenseless:

How to Solve the Public Defender Shortage in Rural America w/Patrick Crowley, Michael Naughton and Jonathan Sacks

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:

Readout of Justice Department Convening with National Public Defense Organizations Hosted by the Office for Access to Justice

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:

Federal Court Tosses Lawsuit by Former San Francisco District Attorney Against Recalled DA Chesa Boudin, Claiming Not ‘Scintilla of Evidence’ in Discrimination Claim

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:

New York must fairly fund its public defenders: NYC budget needs to increase support for lawyers for the poor

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:

It's Time to Value Paralegals and Social Workers as much as Attorneys w/ Latosha Watts and Taneal Behrens

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'

San Francisco Public Defenders Spearhead ‘Sit-ins’ Protesting SF Court Backlog, Denial of Speedy Trial Rights of More Than 1,100 People

Colorado:

Colorado Supreme Court, 4-3, orders new trial after judge blocked defense from questioning alternate suspect

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:

Partnership with Oklahoma County Court and Detention Center Results in Dropped Charges, More Mental Healthcare

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:

From Portland to Klamath Falls, Public Defense in Oregon is on Life Support w/Lee Wachocki and Eve Costello

Secrets of the Killing State: How the Truth of Lethal Injection Could End the Death Penalty w/Corinna Lain

6/7/23

National:

Bonamici, Armstrong, Crockett, González-Colón Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Address Public Defense Crisis

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

Opinion: The Clean Slate Act is fairer to people who’ve done their done time and better for the whole society

Under Scrutiny for New Deaths, Rikers Officials Shut Down Communication

Manhattan prosecutor drops over 300 convictions tied NYPD cops guilty of crimes

North Carolina:

Nearly half of North Carolina’s counties are “legal deserts.” State budget proposals could help with that.

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:

How a Vicious Union Busting Campaign Could Cripple Louisville Public Defense w/Cat Vining and Morgan King

You Might Go to Prison Even Though You're Innocent w/Justin Brooks

The Many Ways Alabama Denies People a Second Chance After Leaving Prison w/Stacey Fuller and Kathleen Henderson