Here you will find current public defense news, as well as past news archived reverse chronologically. The ABA does not maintain external links.
Report a Broken Link
Public Defense News
Public Defense News Archive
March 2025
3/12/25
The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit is coming on April 4 and 5! There’s still plenty of time to register. We hope to see you there, in person or virtually. Connect with other public defenders, knock out most of your CLE requirements, and learn about some of the major issues in public defense from top experts.
Last week’s newsletter went out on Friday, and public defense-related news has been light lately, so this is a short one. But look for an important court ruling out of Maine.
Alabama:
60 years after Bloody Sunday in Alabama, elusive racial progress in Selma
California:
California’s Effort to Reduce, Overturn Unjust Prison Sentences
San Francisco Public Defenders Win Landmark Racial Justice Act Case
Louisiana:
Five Louisiana public defenders to be removed from positions in July
Maine:
Kennebec County Superior Court rules Maine is violating Sixth Amendment
Maine must release people from jail, drop charges if no lawyer available, justice rules
Penobscot County public defenders receiving pressure to take on more cases
Oregon:
Editorial: Budget plan for public defense crisis will help, not solve
VIDEO: Pressure mounts for Oregon to course-correct on plans to reform public defense system
West Virginia:
Mingo County Commission recognizes public defenders; gives funds to hospital
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
3/7/25
The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit is a month away! We hope to see you there, in person or virtually. Connect with other public defenders, knock out most of your CLE requirements, and learn about some of the major issues in public defense from top experts.
California:
Justice and Public Safety Forum Provides New Insights Into Shasta County Challenges
Low salaries, staffing woes, 'crushing' workloads: public safety trouble in Shasta County
Connecticut:
Derby public defender withdraws from consideration for Superior Court bench, officials say
Iowa:
Overworked and underpaid: the indigent defense shortage in Iowa persists
Louisiana:
5 chief public defenders told they will lose jobs following Landry board takeover
Maine:
Opinion: How to really tackle Maine’s indigent defense crisis
Mississippi:
Proposed public defender pilot program aims to better represent indigent defendants in Mississippi
Senate reduces indigent counsel fee increases proposed by House
Nevada:
Bill requires judicial candidates have trial experience, seeks end to secrecy of judicial discipline
New Jersey:
Ohio:
Putnam commissioners discuss possibility of initiating public defender option
Oregon:
Oregon lawmakers scramble for solutions to public defender crisis
Marion County judge warns she may start forcing public defenders to take more cases
Of Interest:
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Was a Former Colorado Public Defender Fired for Raising Concerns over his Workload? w/Travis Weiner
How The American Eugenics Movement Helped Create Habitual Offender Laws w/Daniel Loehr
February 2025
2/28/25
The time to lock in your early bird rate for ABA Public Defense Summit ends on Monday, March 3! Note that virtual attendance is also an option for those who can’t make the trip to Chicago. Many speakers have been announced. Take a look at the speaker page on the above registration link.
Alabama:
Speedy Trial Act bill introduced in Senate
California:
Public defender says Alameda court strike led to rights violations
Judge admonished for 'undignified' behavior, including gestures mimicking pumping of breast milk
Louisiana:
A former criminal judge known as a public defense advocate is running for New Orleans mayor
Maine:
Prosecutors say it’s not just public defense agencies that are struggling to hire over low pay
Maine’s top judge questions why Janet Mills hasn’t filled open judicial seat
Maine owes it to citizens to properly resource judicial branch, chief justice says
Michigan:
Eve Primus Delivers “Blue Jeans” Lecture on Fighting for Systemic Change
Mississippi:
Indigent counsel fees could soon be increased in Mississippi
Missouri:
Public defender’s office draws outrage from Missouri GOP leaders over hiring convicted felon
Missouri public defender fires convicted felon to move budget forward
New York:
Constantia man’s case delayed again due to lack of lawyer
Nebraska:
Fye named Seward County public defender
North Carolina:
Chief public defenders tapped for two districts
North Dakota:
Oregon:
Oregon’s latest plan to reduce public defense crisis makes it worse, analysis says (partial paywall)
Lawmaker loses confidence in public defense leader, calls for National Guard response
Pennsylvania:
South Dakota:
Brown County hires first chief public defender to head new office (partial paywall)
Pilot program will allow new lawyers to swap public service for South Dakota bar exam
Texas:
A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural Texas
Washington:
Okanogan County’s new Office of Public Defender begins to take shape
Mountlake Terrace City council passes public defender agreement, 5-1
Of Interest:
Legal Agitator of Our Time (Book Review)
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Coalition Fighting to Save New York's Discovery Laws w/Amanda Jack and Kalle Condliffe
2/19/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Register by March 3 to lock in your early bird rate, and note that there is a 20 percent discount for group registrations. For those who attend in person, this will be a great way to connect with public defense professionals from around the country in a time of new challenges. Virtual attendance is also an option for those who can’t make the trip to Chicago.
As we typically see when during periods of time where are a lot of major ongoing national news stories, this is a light week for public defense news. We expect this trend will continue until the chaos relents.
National:
Trump: Ex-Death Row Inmates To Live In 'Monstrous' Conditions
California:
I’m 1 of More Than 600 People on CA’s Death Row. Newsom Must End Death Penalty.
Florida:
FACDL and Florida Justice Center unveil clothing closet to aid indigent clients
Maine:
Douglas Rooks: More money is not the answer for Maine’s indigent defense cases
Michigan:
Frustrations continue for attorneys billing Wayne County Indigent Defense Services Department
Mississippi:
Search Mississippi Criminal Justice Bills as They Move Through the Legislature
Missouri:
Public defender’s office draws outrage from Missouri GOP leaders over hiring convicted felon
New Jersey:
Human rights group protests inequities in children getting tried as adults
New York:
Fully funding NYC public transit could reduce fare evasion, crime
Questions linger about public defender's office moves (Niagara County)
Oklahoma:
Stitt Calls for $1.4B Reduction in Budget
North Dakota:
Bill Would Reduce Penalties For Small Amounts of Marijuana in North Dakota
Ohio:
Monroe County commissioners freeze payments, appointments for lawyer who invoiced for $600,000
Richland County may create public defender's office
Oregon:
Deschutes County DA, judge say public defender shortage solved locally, urge state changes
Pennsylvania:
Opinion: Investing in public defenders is essential for justice to be served
Allegheny County public defense system needs major investments, says O'Connor audit
Wisconsin:
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Prosecutorial Reform and the Myth of Individualized Enforcement w/Justin Murray
The Fight to Reform Oklahoma's Failure to Protect Laws w/Alexandra Bailey and Cindy Nguyen
2/12/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Register by March 3 to lock in your early bird rate, and note that there is a 20 percent discount for group registrations. For those who attend in person, this will be a great way to connect with public defense professionals from around the country in a time of new challenges. Virtual attendance is also an option for those who can’t make the trip to Chicago.
Arizona:
Pinal County public defender's office staff recognized
California:
South Bay’s longest-serving public defender reflects on tenure as office looks ahead
Connecticut:
Lamont proposes criminal justice cuts: free messages for CT inmates, public defender access at stake
Georgia:
Coweta attorney Brian Lewis appointed to Public Defender Supervisory Panel
Indiana:
Hancock County weighs cost of public defender’s office
Kansas:
A shortage of public defense attorneys in Kansas could result in courts throwing out criminal cases
Kentucky:
KY lawmakers propose alternatives to incarceration for primary caregivers
New Jersey:
N.J. governor’s big plan to overhaul parole system and give second chances
New Mexico:
House Judiciary approves two public safety bills over the weekend
Oklahoma:
Stitt Calls for $1.4B Reduction in Budget
Ohio:
Commissioners discuss zoning fees, public defenders
Oregon:
Pennsylvania:
Opinion: Investing in public defenders is essential for justice to be served
Public Defender Shortage in PA Sparks Hiring Push
Vermont:
International:
Liberia: Same Faces Every Court Term, Public Defender Decry of Recycle Jurors
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Should we Have Universal Public Defense w/Alexis Hoag-Fordjour
2/5/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Join us on April 4 and 5, in person or virtually, at Chicago’s Northwestern University School of Law for a discussion of important and emerging issues in public defense while earning 9 hours of CLE credit (including 1.5 ethics). Speakers will be announced soon. Take advantage of the early bird deadline to lock in a preferred rate before March 3!
California:
Yuba County celebrates first graduate of new Behavioral Health Court
Georgia:
Fulton County courts clear 93 percent of case backlog
Judge to seat jury in trial of ex-prosecutor accused of shielding Ahmaud Arbery’s killers
Idaho:
Idaho's public defense system asks lawmakers for dozens of new attorneys
Idaho public defender’s proposed budget seeks increases to address defense in rural counties
New public defense office fields JFAC questions
Illinois:
Champaign County Public Defender’s Office is facing a funding crisis after tax referendum fails
Maine:
Lawmaker hopes to alleviate attorney backlog by changing how Maine punishes bail violations
Gov. Mills doubles down on urging Maine’s public defense agency to relax rules
Public defense attorney says other agencies need to help fix Maine's legal backlog
Maine struggles with public defender crisis as costs soar and backlog increases
Massachusetts:
Letter: Access to justice means confronting bar advocate burnout
Minnesota:
Minnesota courts on notice as Laken Riley Act, targeted ICE enforcements go into effect
New York:
Queens Defenders' board forces out controversial executive director
Queens Defenders gets new interim executive director amid leadership shakeup
Legal costs for public defender's office probe topped $20,000 (Niagara Co.)
Ohio:
FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: Recent Indigent Defense Contract Approved
Summit Legal Defenders office expands services, changes locations
Oregon:
Oregon’s public defense crisis: Why thousands go without lawyers, jeopardizing cases
Opinion: Move past rhetoric to find real solutions to public defender crisis
Editorial: Oregon's public defense crisis is predicted to get worse
Pennsylvania:
Public defender shortage in PA sparks hiring push
Lebanon County DA faces backlash as NAACP condemns explosive remarks
Texas:
Texas Fair Defense Fund helps people get legal aid. Migrants are primary recipients: chief.
High Plains Regional Public Defender's Office makes progress with hires, Hale County office location
Vermont:
Where have all the public defenders gone?
Washington:
WA counties want big money to address public defender crisis
Pierce County Council sets legislative priorities
Rep. Debra Entenman’s Conversation With Larry Jefferson, Director Of The Office Of Public Defense
Wyoming:
Wyoming lawyers step up amid public defender shortage
Of Interest:
11 ABA advocacy wins from the 118th Congress
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How One Inconsistent Eye Witness Led to the Wrongful Conviction of Ivery Dorsey w/Kerrie Liang
The Impact of and the Resistance to Mass Deportation Policies w/Hans Meyer and Holly Lucas
Is Kansas Public Defense on the Verge of a Crisis? w/Heather Cessna
January 2025
1/27/25
Registration for the ABA Public Defense Summit is now live! Join us on April 4 and 5 at Chicago’s Northwestern University School of Law for a discussion of important and emerging issues in public defense. This is a hybrid conference, so you can register for the virtual option if you can’t make the trip. Speakers will be announced soon.
It’s a rare Monday newsletter! We hope to be back to the usual Wednesday schedule next week.
California:
LA County’s innovative effort to address public defender conflicts wins plaudits (partial paywall)
Florida:
For the first time in decades, Hillsborough County has a new public defender
'Giant shoes to fill': Daniel Eisinger sworn in as Palm Beach County's new public defender
Georgia:
Troup approves contract with new public defender
Indiana:
Steuben County keeps plugging away at public defender expansion
Public defender implores county council for staff raises (Hancock Co.)
Iowa:
Iowa’s chief justice asks lawmakers for magistrate system changes, judicial pay increases
Louisiana:
Professor Katherine Mattes, key player in Louisiana criminal justice reform, to retire
Maine:
District public defenders: Keeping our promises under the 6th Amendment
ACLU, state conclude arguments in indigent defense trial
Indigent defense trial continues in Augusta
What you need to know about the lawsuit over Maine's public defense system
Indigent defense lawsuit underway in Kennebec County
ACLU says lack of public defense lawyers in Maine erodes trust in courts
Experts talk indigent defense in January ‘radio hour’
Maine public defense agency urges state to fully fund its work
ACLU Asks Maine To Free Jail Inmates Until Counsel Is Available
Maryland:
Public defender, advocates push for Maryland to end automatic charging of youths as adults
Nevada:
New Nevada State Public Defender appointed
New York:
Gov leaves out atty student loan relief from budget
Love it or hate it, New York’s hotly debated bail reform law just turned 5
Public defenders argue their own case (Rochester)
Bronx Defenders form alliance to protect New York evidence sharing requirements
North Dakota:
Port: Indigent defense in North Dakota 'perilously close to a constitutional failure'
Oregon:
Multnomah County public defenders push back against new DA’s comments
Opinion: DA Vasquez is right. The public defense ‘crisis’ is a work stoppage
Pennsylvania:
Frequently Asked Questions About ACLU-PA's Indigent Defense Lawsuit
South Carolina:
Beaufort issues RFP for Indigent legal defense service
South Dakota:
Chief justice says SD would benefit from expanding its new criminal public defense office
Texas:
Rural Texas needs more public defenders. A state commission wants nearly $44M to help
New updates on public defender's office during commissioners court (Victoria)
Virginia:
Bill would expand access to Virginia public defenders, increase prosecutors’ workload
Washington:
Fulmer is concerned about indigent defense costs
Wisconsin:
Lawsuit remains, as Wisconsin public defender shortage persists
Wyoming:
Wyoming Prosecutors Say Widespread Lawyer Shortage Hurting Them Too
Of Interest:
Accessing public defender laptop to send ‘prank’ email costs Jefferson County APA his law license
Report: Public Defense Fees Can Make Justice Unaffordable
International:
Liberia: Public Defense Lawyers Get New Leadership, Pledges Transformation and Accountability
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How to Fight and Abolish the Death Penalty Outside of the Courtroom w/Abraham Bonowitz
How Pueblo Municipal Court Used Contempt of Court to Send People to Jail for Years w/Keri Williams
The Everyday Cruelty in Westminster Municipal Court w/Alison Gordon
The Impact of and the Resistance to Mass Deportation Policies w/Hans Meyer and Holly Lucas
Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons w/Brittany Friedman
How a Petty Theft Could get you 180 Days in Jail in Rifle Municipal Court w/Scott Troxell
1/10/25
Save the date! The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit will be held at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago on April 4 and 5. This will be our first hybrid summit, with both in-person and live virtual attendance options. Registration will open in the New Year, but in the meantime, please sign up to receive an update when registration becomes available. Full course details will be announced in the coming week.
Welcome to 2025! This newsletter goes all the way back to December 19, so let’s get into it.
National:
Biden gives life in prison to 37 of 40 federal death row inmates before Trump can resume executions
Arkansas:
Report on Arkansas' public defender system finds understaffing, overwork
California:
Florida:
Public defender’s motion to remove judge over texts with Miami-Dade State Attorney denied
Idaho:
ACLU files emergency motion against new public defense system
‘Headed for a disaster:’ ACLU asks Idaho Supreme Court to order public defense system reform
Idaho governor recommends $88 million for State Public Defender FY 2026 budget
Kootenai County cases stall as public defender shortage takes hold
Iowa:
Maine:
Judge finds Maine public defender program isn’t meeting constitutional obligations
Experts talk indigent defense in January ‘radio hour’
Missouri:
Lawmakers calling for David Spears termination from public defender’s office
New York:
New Joint Bar Task Force To Tackle Indigent Defense In NYC
North Carolina:
Roy Cooper’s commutations should signal the death penalty’s end in North Carolina
Ohio:
Commissioners approve pact with new group of public defenders (Columbiana)
Pennsylvania:
Kelly Jurs, veteran Chester County public defender, announces run for judge
McKean County's bonus controversy, DA criticizes bonuses and pay disparities amid tax hikes
Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office leadership history
Tennessee:
Tennessee revises lethal injection policy nearly three years after last execution was halted
Texas:
High Plains Regional Public Defender's Office to set up at Hale County Courthouse
Washington:
Okanogan County will bring public defenders in-house
West Virginia:
West Virginia Public Defender Services claims lawyer shortage is a statewide problem
Wyoming:
The ‘ticking time bomb’ facing Wyoming’s public defenders and their clients
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Policies Making Colorado More "Tough on Crime" w/Tristan Gorman and Rebecca Wallace
How Marsy's Law is Undermining the Criminal Legal System w/Ráchael Powers
December 2024
12/18/24
Save the date! The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit will be held at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago on April 4 and 5. This will be our first hybrid summit, with both in-person and live virtual attendance options. Registration will open in the New Year, but in the meantime, please sign up to receive an update when registration becomes available. Look for more details in the coming weeks!
This will be the last public defense newsletter of 2024. Happy holidays everyone! See you in the new year.
Colorado:
Denver's Next District Attorney Hasn't Been Sworn in Yet, but He Wants a Raise
Georgia:
Years Pass in a County Jail, Asking for Public Defenders Who Never Answer
Illinois:
‘Legal Giant’ mourned and remembered by his peers (Peoria)
3 Central IL counties get grants for public safety improvements, Budzinski announces
Indiana:
Kosciusko County Council Approves Public Defender’s Office
Steuben eyes full-time public defender office
Iowa:
Indigent Services Crisis Noted In Iowa Discipline Case
Maryland:
Michigan:
Bill would require publicly funded defense attorneys for indigent juveniles
How Michigan Stopped Saddling Children with Millions in Court Debt
Mississippi:
Supes hear plea for an increase to public defender compensation (Winston County)
Montana:
As Community Services Collapse, Experts Say the Mentally Ill are Being Left Behind Bars
New York:
Monroe County public defenders fighting for a new contract, citing pay and caseload
Chenango County Public Defender's Office Awarded NY Grant To Improve And Reduce Caseloads
Ohio:
Allen, Hardin, Putnam counties could share public defenders office
Oregon:
Editorial: Gov. Kotek on Oregon's public defender problem
The Number of Criminal Defendants Without an Attorney Is Still Growing
Pennsylvania:
Juniata officials approve assistant public defender
Washington:
WA court weighs new standards for public defenders
VIDEO: Public defense in Washington bogged down by caseloads and limited staff
Cost of public defense could rise on Palouse
Okanogan County considers bringing public defenders in-house
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How the Supreme Court has Injected Chaos and Confusion into the Second Amendment w/Jacob Charles
12/11/24
Save the date! The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit will be held at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago on April 4 and 5. This will be our first hybrid summit, with both in-person and live virtual attendance options. Registration will open in the New Year, but in the meantime, please sign up to receive an update when registration becomes available. Look for more details in the coming weeks!
It’s a light week for news, but let’s get into it.
California:
Nathan Hochman takes office as new L.A. District Attorney
Public Defenders seek third-year grant for youth advocacy (Solano County)
Florida:
Florida prosecutor seeks to clear records of people charged with buying police-made crack in 1980s
Idaho:
Supreme Court confirms new public defense office must take over costs of transcripts
Indiana:
Indiana Supreme Court justices explain why execution will go forward
Maine:
Attorneys talk challenges, next steps at indigent defense symposium
Nevada:
Deadline to File for Board of Indigent Defense Extended to December 16
New York:
Ethics Opinion 1277: Crowdfunding on behalf of indigent clients
DAs and attorneys call on gov to expand atty loan forgiveness program
Oregon:
South Dakota:
An exciting turning point for the defense of people who can’t afford lawyers
Wisconsin:
Wisconsin public defender budget request includes proposals to cut down criminal charges
Of Interest:
Kash Patel: how Trump’s FBI pick went from public defender to provocateur
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Why Are Prisoners at Virginia's Red Onion Prison Severely Burning Themselves? w/Phil Wilayto
How the Fear of Too Much Justice Keeps Our Legal System Cruel w/Stephen Bright
12/4/24
Save the date! The 2025 ABA Public Defense Summit will be held at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago on April 4 and 5. This will be our first hybrid summit, with both in-person and live virtual attendance options. Registration will open in the New Year, but in the meantime, please sign up to receive an update when registration becomes available. Look for more details in the coming weeks!
This issue of the news covers the last two weeks due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Arizona:
Gov. Hobbs must share exactly how Arizona plans to execute people | Opinion
California:
Solano Public Defenders seek third-year grant for youth advocacy
Colorado:
Florida:
Hillsborough Public Defender Julianne Holt leaves legacy of service
Maine:
Lawyers for Maine, ACLU file dueling motions to end public defense lawsuit
Maryland:
Fire kills ‘very sweet’ former public defender, damages 8 buildings in Greektown
Michigan:
Defense attorneys frustrated about billing issues, missing payments with Wayne County's IDSD
Wayne County's counsel defends operations of new criminal justice complex
Muskegon County adds 10 staff members to public defenders team
Nevada:
OPINION: Nevadans should demand answers on public defense firing
New Jersey:
Feds Accuse Trenton Police of Pattern of Unconstitutional Brutality and Stops
New York:
County lawmakers to be briefed in private on leave for public defenders
North Carolina:
Attorneys unanimously reappointed to indigent defense roles
Fewer North Carolina attorneys signing up to be public defenders
VIDEO: Legal analysis: Meck County public defender demand
Washington:
The Washington Supreme Court could decide whether public defender caseloads need a dramatic change
Eastern WA Leaders: Public defender caseload plan brings high costs, but no state funding
Wisconsin:
Former public defender accused of abusing his office, paying for sex with client, prosecutors say
Of Interest:
Law students are more diverse, face more debt than 20 years ago, new study says
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
Why Are Prisoner's at Virginia's Red Onion Prison Lighting Themselves on Fire? w/Phil Willayto
How Prosecutors Might get Rewarded for Messing Up the Harvey Weinstein Case w/Amanda Jack
One Step Forward and Two Steps Back Mississippi Public Defense w/Andre de Gruy
How A.I. Can Help Public Defenders Challenge Police and Prosecutors Part 2 w/Prabhas Pokharel
October 2024
10/23/24
There’s a bit of news from all over the country this week.
National:
Bureau of Justice Statistics: Survey of Public Defenders (SPD) Pilot Report
California:
Florida:
Parkland shooting judge criticizes shooter's attorneys during talk to law students
Idaho:
Concerns raised about Idaho’s new public defense system. Several attorneys have left
Idaho's public defense system making big shift
Iowa:
Citing lack of judicial response, State Public Defender asks Iowa Supreme Court to step in
Louisiana:
Louisiana’s newly configured public defender board rejects Landry administration pay plan
Public defenders say new criminal justice laws will further stress office
Massachusetts:
Worcester defense lawyer Stuart Hurowitz nominated for District Court judgeship
For the first time, a public defender is poised to serve on the Mass. Governor's Council
Michigan:
Public defender alleges harassment, discrimination at Plymouth's 35th District Court
St Joseph County commission approves public defenders
Nevada:
Concerns raised after head of state’s indigent defense efforts fired by governor’s office
Oregon:
ACLU Demands Firing of State Public Defense Agency’s Top Lawyer
Pennsylvania:
Lawmakers, public defenders, experts host hearing on state of public defense in PA
South Dakota:
Indigent Legal Services panel preps for launch
Indigent Legal Services Commission Starts To Put Together How New Office Might Function
Texas:
Panhandle Area Public Defender Office celebrates new attorneys
Democratic, Republican candidates vie for seats in Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Washington:
Jefferson County letter addresses funding obligation
Jefferson commissioners to discuss defense caseloads
Of Interest:
Slate: We Thought the Supreme Court’s Death Penalty Cases Couldn’t Get Worse. We Thought Wrong.
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Problems and Potential for Utah's Patchwork Youth Defense System w/Pam Vickrey
The Horrible Direction Louisiana Public Defense is Headed Under its New Leadership w/Derwyn Bunton
10/16/24
This issue of the news covers the last 3 weeks. If you believe any important public defense news items were missed during this extended break, please contact [email protected] so they can be included in next week’s issue.
National:
The Crisis of America’s Public Defenders
Alabama:
Mobile County Public Defenders Office making strides
California:
Opinion: California’s Prop. 36 won’t address retail theft, drug addiction or homelessness
California one of 3 states with no general oversight of public defenders
Your guide to the L.A. County district attorney’s race: Gascón vs. Hochman
Idaho:
Idaho's public defense system making big shift
Idaho State Bar issues ethics opinion on attorneys dropping cases amid public defense change
Concerns raised about Idaho’s new public defense system after exodus in public defenders
New state public defender fills most vacant positions
Illinois:
Lake County announces new public defender
Indiana:
Indiana Public Defender Council warns lawmakers of growing AI-driven false arrest concerns
Maine:
Trial over Maine’s indigent defense crisis set to begin in December
Nevada:
Public defenders tell county proposed homeless ‘camping’ ban ‘is not the solution’
New Hampshire:
VIDEO: Heavy workloads straining public defenders in New Hampshire
New Mexico:
State’s Public Defender Commission Elects New Chair
New York:
Public Defender Speaks To Rotary Club
Ohio:
America’s Public Defender Crisis: How the System Fails the Most Vulnerable
Oregon:
After reforms, Oregon still struggles with shortage of public defenders
Pennsylvania:
Historic Move: Montgomery County Adds 15 Public Defenders Following Statewide Understaffing Reports
Public defender alleging retaliation in lawsuit filed this week
South Dakota:
Addressing South Dakota's public defense gaps
SD Court Leaders Say Reforms To Public Defense Will Take Years, Patience And Engagement
New Indigent Legal Defense program gets high marks despite challenges
Public defense challenges highlighted as commission begins work
Lincoln County to explore option of creating public defender's office
Tennessee:
Nashville District Attorney Funk secretly recorded defense attorneys, state audit finds
Texas:
The Harris County Public Defender’s Office is expanding. But is it growing fast enough?
Travis County passes budget with a focus on justice reform
Public defender's office sets lofty goals for Crossroads community
Utah:
Utah County Commissioners say public defender office mismanaged following 2News probe
Washington:
Proposal aims to cut Washington public defender caseloads, critics say it's too costly
WA Supreme Court is told cutting public defender caseloads could incite ‘vigilante’ justice
State Prosecutors Warn WA Supreme Court About New Public Defense Standards
Washington farm bookkeeper charged with stealing $500k may go free after not getting lawyer in time
Whitman County faces $1 million for public defense
Ex-Franklin leader returns to Tri-Cities. This time to help struggling Benton Co. program (opens as PDF)
Of Interest:
A Public Defender’s Radical Approach to Representing the January 6th Rioters
Staying Zealous: Why I chose to return to public defense after it nearly killed me
As Harris makes case for presidency, her record as prosecutor draws fresh scrutiny
The State of Civil Gideon 60 Years On
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How California Law Enforcement Agencies are Keeping Police Misconduct Hidden w/Katey Rusch
September 2024
9/25/24
The news was off last week, so this is a double issue. Please note that the news will be on a break for the next two weeks while our news team is on vacation.
Look for a lot of news items this week about updated public defense workload standards in Washington State, as well as a multi-part investigation into court delays in Reno, Nevada and news about South Dakota’s first ever chief public defender.
California:
Gascón vs. Hochman: Very different takes on what LA's district attorney should do
$100 a day for jury duty: Alameda County rate jumps from $15
San Francisco public defender urges no drug charges for trafficking victims
Georgia:
Glynn Co. stops payroll services to District Attorney's office following months of financial issues
Idaho:
Public defense changeover raises concerns for some
Idaho's public defense system making big shift
Illinois:
‘People who should be held are being held’: Pretrial Fairness Act marks first year this week
Michigan:
Kent County hires public defender for new office
Is justice actually blind? We’ll see (Kalamazoo)
Mississippi:
Marshall Project: Mississippi Court Candidates Tell You Why They Should Be Elected
Missouri:
Missouri executes Marcellus Williams despite pleas from prosecutor and victim’s family
Nevada:
JUSTICE DELAYED Part 2: More Cases are Going to Trial
JUSTICE DELAYED Part 3: Overworked and understaffed
JUSTICE DELAYED Part 4: Jail called out for causing delays
JUSTICE DELAYED Part 5: County approves some new positions
Pennsylvania:
ACLU: What Pennsylvania’s failure to fund public defenders means across the commonwealth
Pennsylvania OKs $80M for crime data reporting, victim services
AG candidate Eugene DePasquale says leadership is his strength: ‘You’re not just electing a robot’
South Dakota:
Q&A: Meet South Dakota’s first state public defender
Indigent Defense Board names first chief defender
Millions allocated to counties to fund public defense efforts
State sends counties $3 million for indigent defense, covering 12% of expenses
Study finds SD indigent criminal defense weak
Brown County to get nearly $100K to help with indigent-defense legal services (partial paywall)
Texas:
Williamson County judge appointed to Texas indigent defense board
Washington:
Washington Supreme Court schedules public hearing on indigent defense standards
Plan to cut WA public defender caseloads would have profound consequences
Lewis County raises concern over cost of new public defender requirements
King County Department of Public Defense Director Resigns Abruptly
A decision from the state Supreme Court could turn justice system into legal chaos
Of Interest:
Debut novel of former Orleans public defender follows the 'hopeless state' of the court system
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Problems with Public Defense in Nueces County Texas w/Jessica Brand and Adrienne Johnson
Venezuelan Gangs Haven't Taken Over Aurora, But What is Happening? w/Chase Woodruff
9/11/24
With Labor Day behind us and summer vacation season officially over, the number of public defense news articles is on the rise. Among other items, look for stories this week about the ongoing public defender strike in Sacramento.
Of Interest:
How to Approach the Crisis of Mass Incarceration
Sergio de la Pava, Agent of Change
Alaska:
Alaska Judge’s Sex Scandal Brings Scrutiny to US Attorney Tucker
Arkansas:
California:
Sacramento County public attorneys heading into third week of mass strike
Sacramento County criminal justice attorneys union pauses strike until Tuesday
Striking attorneys agree to ‘cease-fire’ with Sacramento County, go back to work until Tuesday
Alternate Public Defender tapped as new Superior Court commissioner (Solano County)
How George Gascón went from cop to one of the most progressive DAs in the country
Colorado:
Aurora City Council votes to shift domestic violence cases to county courts
D.C.:
Florida:
Public Defender Julianne Holt steps down: Reflecting on 30 years of legal and legislative impact
Georgia:
Massachusetts:
The Public Defender Who Just Won Power Over Confirming Massachusetts Judges
Michigan:
Local attorney appointed director of new Kent County Public Defender’s Office (PARTIAL PAYWALL)
Nevada:
Committee to sponsor ‘second look’ bill that allows for reduction of lengthy prison sentences
New York:
Attorney sues Oswego County for discrimination over public defender job
North Carolina:
Hundreds of NC defense attorneys waited months for pay in 2016. It could happen again.
Pennsylvania:
Grant creates ‘more even playing field’ in criminal justice system (Miffin County)
Texas:
Governor Abbott Appoints Gravell and Miskel to Texas Indigent Defense Commission Board
VIDEO: Indigent Defense Commission Governing Board
Public Safety Commission Begins Process to Name New DPS Director
Public defender successful in reducing costs across five counties (Far West)
Outgoing Harris County Democratic District Attorney Addresses Tea Party on Crime, Public Corruption
Does 'Heath' Have Teeth? The New Era of Criminal Discovery Rights in Texas (PAYWALL)
Washington:
State Sen. Mike Padden: Washington needs more public defenders and prosecutors, along with police
In Memoriam:
Bob Mann, lawyer who took on some of RI's most notorious cases, has died
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How the Junk Science "Excited Delirium" Shields Cops From Accountability w/Rachel Kincaid
9/4/24
As is usually the case during holidays, this was a light week for public defense news.
Of Interest:
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is hitting the road to promote her new memoir, ‘Lovely One’
California:
Sacramento Public Defenders, Prosecutors Strike Continues
What should justice look like? Your vote for LA County DA is a choice between two visions
Indiana:
Commission Brainstorms Plan To Save Indiana's Legal Future
Iowa:
New Criminal Defense Clinic director to focus on post-conviction and clemency
Louisiana:
Maine:
In York County, two-thirds of defendants waiting for lawyers face domestic violence charges
Maine public defenders ask for big pay raise
Massachusetts:
Progressive Vs. Moderate: Suffolk County Clerk Race Heats Up In Democratic Primary
Michigan:
Hillsdale Commissioners narrowly approve public defender administrator contract
Kent County hires public defender for new office
Press Release: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
Oregon:
Oregon law rolling back drug decriminalization takes effect, making possession a crime again
Willamette Criminal Defense Clinic launches this fall
South Dakota:
Brown County moves toward creating public defender’s office
Texas:
Washington:
Olympia needs to double its budget for criminal defense attorneys each year until 2027
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How a Person Can Get Evicted for being the Victim of a Crime too Many Times w/Alex Kornya
The Challenges of Providing Holistic Defense in Rural North Carolina w/Beth Stang
August 2024
8/28/24
Look for news this week about Maine’s growing public defender system and a public defender strike in Sacramento, California.
Arkansas:
Gov. Sanders approves funds to pay salaries for Benton County public defenders
Federal judge rules people in Benton County should be appointed public defenders at bond hearings
California:
Prosecutors and public defenders strike for higher pay in this California county (Sacramento)
Stanford Law clinic stands up for indigent defense
Colorado:
Opinion: Dems engorge budget of state public defender (good for a laugh -ed)
Florida:
Bradshaw And Gauger Advance In Sheriff’s Race; Eisinger To Serve As Next Public Defender
Palm Beach state attorney had no business endorsing public defender | Opinion
Idaho:
Kansas:
The weight of the wait 30 years after Kansas death penalty law
Why Kevin Cook is stepping aside as Topeka Municipal Court public defender
Maine:
‘No easy fix’ to Maine’s indigent defense crisis, director tells lawmakers
Maine's public defense commission seeks additional $64 million to fund new offices, boost lawyer pay
Lewiston attorney tapped to head up local indigent defense office
Maine slowly staffing up growing network of public defenders offices
Head of Maine Public Defenders addresses concerns at Government Oversight Committee
Michigan:
MSU College of Law opens Public Defender Clinic
New Mexico:
Courts launch novel program for mentally ill defendants
New York:
Chenango County Public Defender To Receive $186,000 Grant For Discovery Aid
Oregon:
Column: Solving Oregon’s public defender problem will involve more than money
Pennsylvania:
Historic Move: Montgomery County Adds 15 Public Defenders Following Statewide Understaffing Reports
Texas:
Former Fort Bend County public defender files lawsuit over alleged retaliatory termination
Library to host discussion of possibility of a Public Defender Office in county
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
8/21/24
Look for news this week about ongoing public defense reforms in Idaho, Maine, and Washington.
National:
Readout of the Justice Department Quarterly Convening with National Public Defense Organizations
Of Interest:
SMU Deason Center’s tireless warrior holds feet to the fire when it comes to public defense
What 9 cases from Kamala Harris’ past say about her record as a California prosecutor
Robert Perkins and Wesley Caines: Holistic defense can change lives
California:
Calls Mount For OC’s District Attorney To Figure Out Where $13 Million in COVID Funds Went
Florida:
Melissa Vickers triumphs in Orange-Osceola County public defender race
Lisa McLean wins in Hillsborough public defender race
Georgia:
Georgia district attorney candidate vows to end Young Thug trial if elected
Idaho:
Changes coming to public defense in Idaho
Idaho's public defense system making big shift
The defense rests: Kootenai attorneys warn of looming crisis
Indiana:
Judges ask to increase public defender pay
Maine:
Court says ACLU can name state of Maine in indigent defense lawsuit
Bangor’s new public defender office is struggling to hire lawyers
Public defender’s offices are opening across Maine. The next step: staffing them.
Massachusetts:
Impacted by clearing, public defender sees increase in charges against homeless
North Carolina:
IDS launching online payment system for appointed counsel
Oregon:
Report Finds Top Lawyer at State Public Defense Agency Retaliated Against Two Female Lawyers
Pennsylvania:
Montco will seek to hire 15 new public defenders to address a longstanding staffing shortage
‘Game-changer’: Montgomery County pledges to significantly expand public defender’s office
Texas:
Opinion: Ken Paxton got pretrial diversion. Shouldn’t more Texans get it too?
Washington:
Would overhaul of WA’s public defense lead to better outcomes or ‘vigilante land’?
Washington Bar Changes to Help Public Defenders, Questions Remain on Funding
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Problems with Public Defense in Guam w/Aditi Goel
8/14/24
There’s a bit of news from all over this week, including several stories about public defender elections in Florida.
National:
Biden Public Defenders Turned Judges Begin to Make Mark on Bench
Alabama:
Alaska:
Alaska Prosecutor Accused of Exploiting Judge Ties for Recusal
Arkansas:
Smith County addresses personnel, approves road projects
Colorado:
Audit: Colorado public defender's office has high workloads, must study staffing
Florida:
Longtime Public Defender Endorses Candidate to Replace Him, Continue Legacy (Orlando)
10th Circuit Public Defender position up for election
In race for Public Defender, Republican candidates spar over who's more conservative (Lakeland)
Op-ed: Don’t fall for lies in Palm Beach public defender’s race
Leon County's new restorative justice agency aims to bring better outcomes for victims and offenders
Illinois:
Estimated cost for the proposed Tazewell County Justice Center Annex: $44 million
Indiana:
Judges ask to increase public defender pay (Bartholomew County)
Louisiana:
State Supreme Court issues “bench book” to guide sentencing decisions
Maine:
Utility company’s proposal to rat out hidden marijuana operations to police raises privacy concerns
Mississippi:
Sweltering Heat Endangers Incarcerated in Mississippi Prison
North Carolina:
IDS Launching New Payment System for Appointed Counsel in eCourts Counties
Alamance Commissioners hear court expansion ideas; where current county offices could be moved
Oregon:
Editorial: Oregon continues unacceptable failure to provide public defenders
Editorial: Solving public defender problem involves more than money
Tennessee:
Lee Davis Has Seen Positive Changes In The Administration Of Justice, He Tells Civitans
Texas:
At Smith County budget workshop, judges push for indigent defense funding
$120,000 salary for contract attorneys back on table in Smith County
Washington:
Longtime Tri-Cities defense leader leaving. WA courts can't handle what's coming, he says
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How Police Academies Foster a Culture of Police Violence w/Samantha Simon
What Changes are Coming to Fix Maine's Public Defense Crisis? w/Jim Billings
8/7/24
The news was off last week due to the ABA Annual Meeting, so this issue covers two weeks.
Of Interest:
Civil rights icon receives ABA’s highest honor
Arresting Homeless People Is the ‘Most Expensive and Least Effective’ Solution
'I do miss him': Trans Public Defender Sofia Nelson mourns the JD Vance they knew at Yale
District of Columbia:
Judge Milton Lee named new chief of D.C. Superior Court
Florida:
Orange-Osceola public defender candidates seek to make history
Editorial: Choose Daniel Eisinger for Palm Beach County Public Defender
Kentucky:
Can artificial intelligence help in KY legal defense? Yes, public defenders say
Maine:
Maine's public defense commission adds some flexibility to lawyer qualification standards
The Maine Supreme Court asked large law firms for help. They didn’t.
Rooks: Maine public defender requirements need immediate fix
Third ‘radio hour’ covers public defense, aging care facilities
Michigan:
Press Release: Gov. Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench
Kent County announces new office of the Public Defender
New York:
Cornell Law’s Criminal Appellate Defense Clinic Provides Students With Unique Opportunity
A former public defender’s lessons for law students
North Carolina:
Checking in on the Pender County's public defense office, one year after opening
Oklahoma:
Brigitte Biffle takes on heavy role of chief public defender
Oregon:
Oregon public defense commission drafts ‘crisis plan’ to cut number of defendants without lawyers
Oregon Public Defense Commission details multi-pronged efforts to stem public defender crisis
GUEST COLUMN: It takes more than money to solve Oregon's public defender crisis
Pennsylvania:
Philly public defenders voted against getting $6,000 raises if it meant weakening job protections
Lycoming County commissioners: New coroner building, ADA ramp, and public defender grants
South Carolina:
The best offense is a good defense
Texas:
Gregg County public defenders to receive pay bump
Virginia:
Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, Richmond
Wyoming:
Governor Announces Appointment Of Interim State Public Defender
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
How the Lack of Independence Weakens Federal Public Defense w/Melody Brannon
The Problems with Public Defense in Florida and Georgia w/Radley Balko
How the Good Faith Exception is Eroding Our Right to Privacy w/Matthew Tokson
July 2024
7/25/24
Join the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense at this year’s ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago for two events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation! On August 1, see the Chicago Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in an LSC and ABA sponsored event. Then, on August 3 at 5:00 pm, there will be a FREE reception at the downtown Hyatt Regency. Register at the links provided.
Of Interest:
ABA Medal recipient puts democratic principles and indigent defense at center of long career
Here’s what would be happening to Donald Trump right now if he were poor
National:
Opinion: Funding Public Defense Furthers Community Safety
How Project 2025 Plans for Trump to Have Unprecedented Power Over the Justice Department
Alaska:
Federal prosecutors: Resigned Alaska federal judge had conflict of interest in 23 criminal cases
Arkansas:
Revolving bail fund project aims to help poor make bond in Northwest Arkansas
California:
Public Defender’s Office Takes Action Following Ransomware Attack on LA superior Court Systems
Ex-employee says he didn’t mean to send ‘panties’ email to district attorney. He sues
California sent a mentally ill man to a state hospital. Then it charged him $760,000
Colorado:
Florida:
Judge: Miami-Dade public defenders did not witness tamper, can remain on murder case
Questionnaire: Daniel Eisinger, candidate for Palm Beach County Public Defender
Tensions mark Hillsborough public defender campaigns
Who should replace longtime Hillsborough Public Defender Julianne Holt? We have an answer.
Georgia:
National bail fund returns to Georgia after judge says limits were arbitrary
Idaho:
Jordan Crane appointed as public defender for Seventh Judicial District
Indiana:
Black people overrepresented in arrests for HIV-related donation crimes in Indiana
Maine:
Defense attorneys say indigent work remains a heavy lift, despite pay increase
Maryland:
State sees nearly $150 million in budget cuts
Michigan:
New Office of the Public Defender opens in Kent Co., applications now open
Oklahoma:
Judge declares Oklahoma law allows victims to be present at all hearings
Pennsylvania:
Pa.’s lack of support for public defenders is unconstitutional. So we’re suing.
Pennsylvanians deserve a better indigent defense system
Washington:
Indigent defense caseloads may decrease
Washington Supreme Court seeks input on changes to public defense standards
WA Supreme Court considers cutting public defender caseloads
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
If Another Person Confesses to a Crime, Why Can't Jurors Hear that Evidence? w/Sharon Turlington
7/17/24
Join the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense at this year’s ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago for two events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation! On August 1, see the Chicago Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in an LSC and ABA sponsored event. Then, on August 3 at 5:00 pm, there will be a FREE reception at the downtown Hyatt Regency. Register at the links provided.
There is not a lot of news this week, but be sure to see that the Washington Supreme Court is seeking public comment on proposed public defense standards.
Arizona:
Tucson attorney Bob Hirsh to lead Pima County public defenders
Florida:
Two Attorneys Aim To Become County’s Next Public Defender (Palm Beach)
Frankel Secures Key Endorsements in County Public Defender Race
Illinois:
Lake County public defender retires after 37 years of service
A trial that lasted 45 minutes convicted an innocent boy
Kentucky:
Old team cries foul after former public defender switches sides (Frankfort)
Maryland:
Michigan:
New state funding not enough to solve shortage of prosecutors, counties say
Pennsylvania:
$47.6 Billion PA State Budget Signed by Governor Shapiro
Washington:
Proposed Changes to Washington Supreme Court Public Defense Standards Open for Public Comment
International:
In Memoriam:
Abe Krash, one of the attorneys who represented Clarence Earl Gideon and helped usher in the right to public defense, died on July 6 at his home in Maryland. As a junior attorney on the case, Krash was responsible for most of the research and writing. He was 97.
7/10/24
Join the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense at this year’s ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago for two events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation. On August 1, see the Chicago Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in an LSC and ABA sponsored event. Then, on August 3 at 5:00 pm, there will be a FREE reception at the downtown Hyatt Regency. Register at the links provided.
Holidays usually make for a slow news week, and this was no exception.
Colorado:
Denver kids and teens will now receive free public defenders in municipal court
Hawaii:
Short-Handed Kona Public Defender’s Office Won’t Accept New Drunken Driving Cases
Indiana:
Koch reappointed to Indiana Public Defender Commission
Maine:
Across Maine, judges are deciding when the lack of an attorney becomes a constitutional violation
Maine's public defender crisis devolves into a blame game
The region’s first public defender starts work (Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties)
Massachusetts:
Public defenders demand 'comprehensive reforms' at state police after Fitchburg ruling
Missouri:
Missouri counties say they lose money housing people headed to state prison
Nevada:
Clark Hill Wins for Public Defender in Nevada State Bar Disciplinary Hearing
New York:
Bronx Defenders union authorizes potential strike
Chairman's Corner: Conflict Defender (Columbia County)
North Carolina:
Dorn takes office as Johnston County’s chief public defender
Oregon:
Editorial: The unjust is sticking in Oregon courts
Pennsylvania:
Fired Public Defender’s Age Discrimination Claim Moves Forward (partial paywall)
Tennessee:
Legal Notes: Indigent defense funding increase takes effect
Utah:
Utah public defenders are anxious about the Supreme Court’s camping ban decision
Podcasts:
Public Defenseless:
The Rise, Fall, and Disbarment of Florida's Worst Chief Public Defender w/Andrew Pantazi
What Can Save Pennsylvania Public Defense w/Sara Jacobson, Autumn Johnson, Samuel Encarnacion
7/3/24:
Join the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense at this year’s ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago for two events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Legal Services Corporation. On August 1, see the Chicago Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in an LSC and ABA sponsored event. Then, on August 3 at 5:00 pm, there will be a FREE reception at the downtown Hyatt Regency. Register at the links provided.
Due to holidays and other commitments, this newsletter covers the past 3 weeks. Strap in for a lot of headlines. Happy Fourth!
National:
ABA honors 2024 public service award recipients
California:
The criminal justice system in SF is badly broken, and the mayor’s budget doesn’t help
Kern County Bar Association renews contract to oversee Indigent Defense Program
Colorado:
Aurora lawmakers to discuss plan for ridding municipal court of domestic violence cases
Weld County will not criminally charge forensic scientist over anomalies in DNA casework
Connecticut:
TaShun Bowden-Lewis sues over CT chief public defender firing
Illinois:
Indiana:
State Sen. Eric Koch was reappointed to Indiana Public Defender Commission
Kentucky:
Jefferson County public defender’s office now part of DPA
Louisiana:
Louisiana’s death penalty spending stays the course, despite public defense shakeup
State public defender board wrestles with how to hire outside legal help in death penalty cases
Maine:
Six months in, Maine’s first public defenders’ office talks strategy
Our View: Reform of Maine’s public defense system is the bottom line
Rooks: Deadly consequences of Maine's failing indigent defense system must be addressed
Opinion: Law students demand solutions to Maine’s Sixth Amendment crisis
Michigan:
Northeast Michigan guilty pleas return to normal
Mississippi:
Mississippi wants to allow some votes from jails and prisons. Red tape may stop it.
Nebraska:
Rural NE county attorneys, public defenders confront ‘legal desert’ in hiring new lawyers
Nevada:
Las Vegas judge ordered to attend ethics class after hot tub photo, ‘egregious’ behavior
New Jersey:
Public defender’s office touts new police accountability director
New York:
NY Chief Judge Spotlights Need To Strengthen Public Defense
Republican lawmakers ask judge to remove Erie County’s top public defender
Opinion: A call to action to solve New York’s criminalization of homelessness
Oregon:
Oregon launches new public defender division to stem constitutional crisis
Pennsylvania:
The ACLU says Pennsylvania’s public defenders are so underfunded it violates the law
100,000 Pa. residents left without legal help, ACLU files lawsuit
Following ACLU lawsuit, counties say Pa. should boost indigent defense funding even more
Opinion: Pennsylvanians deserve a better indigent defense system
Public defenders using state money for new positions, equipment
Sen. Collett secures $500,000 for Victims’ Services, Indigent Defense and crime prevention in Montco
New Licensing Regulations Aim to Open Doors for Pennsylvanians with Criminal Records
Tennessee:
Nearly 30 cases taken from Shelby County judge's court due to conflict with public defender
Texas:
Washington:
Walking in Their Shoes: Life in the public defense machine amid newly recommended caseload standards
Public defender shortage is a WA crisis that requires local and state action
Island County officials consider bringing public defense in-house
In Memoriam: Doug Wilson
Doug was an accomplished public defender, having served persons in need of a criminal defense lawyer in Colorado since the early 1980s, eventually serving as the state’s chief trial deputy and chief public defender. Doug even came out of retirement to serve as the chief public defender in the embattled Aurora Public Defender’s Office until his second retirement in 2023. He represented many capitally charged clients during his career at a time when the Colorado public defense community was considered at the forefront of successful capital trial strategy, helping to develop methods that are still used by capital defenders to this day. He will be greatly missed.
PODCASTS:
Public Defenseless:
Travis Finck: On the Brink of a Crisis, What can Be Done to Save North Dakota Public Defense?
Chesa Boudin: Lessons Learned from San Francisco's Progressive Prosecution Movement
Eric Whitcher: South Dakota's Small First Step to Statewide Public Defense