Posted On:
January 21, 2010
New public defender blog
Public Defender Revolution is a new public defender blog worth subscribing to, written by two public defenders, who speak the truth about caring for and fighting for their clients. Citing the ABA guidelines/ standards for ethical caseloads, they are encouraging other public defenders to stand up and refuse to accept cases when they are overburdened and cannot provide effective representation - a position that I've been advocating for some time as the only solution to the failure of states to adequately fund indigent defense.
H/T PDR for this video: San Francisco's Chief Public Defender refuses to accept budget cuts - or will refuse to accept new cases if the budget is cut:
Comments
I've heard many lawyers suggesting this method of pushing the envelope with State lawmakers.
On one hand, I can see how such a drastic move would force the state to live up to their constitutional obligation of providing effective and zealous representation for every Defendant.
However, I think about the reality of the situation: A lot of defendants are going to be S.O.L. and caught in the middle of this battle of wills.
I have to sit in jail and wait and wait and wait to hear from my lawyer because the county PD's office has started refusing cases.
Or
I get appointed to a private attorney who doesn't have nearly the training or expertise as the typical PD in handling serious felonies.
Either way it seems like I'll be screwed because in a battle between the State Gov't and the Public Defenders system, who do you think can hold out the longest?
Posted by: BlackManBlackLetterLaw | May 11, 2010 11:55 PM