The Boston Globe ran an editorial State can save on lawyers by hiring more public defenders which is sadly based on a misunderstanding of what court-appointed attorneys and DAs do. First, it is easier to accuse than to disprove … [Read more...]
Right to counsel under attack in Michigan – could it happen here?
The Michigan Courts say "its the legislature & governor's job to protect the right to counsel" - have WE heard this before? Remember Lavallee and the failure to order full funding or protect the right to counsel in Massachusetts? … [Read more...]
Were guardians ad litem and indigent defense thrown under the budget bus?
Go to http://www.mass.gov/bb/h1/fy11... Line item 0321-1500 is "staff" Line item 0321-1510 is "independent contractors" - private attorneys who accept court appointments in child welfare, mental health, and criminal cases. I … [Read more...]
Request for HELP from the Blue Mass Group Community
1. Call Speaker DiMasi's office at 617 722 2500 and request that supplemental funding for line item 0321-1510 be passed TODAY.2. Call House Ways and Means Chairman Robert DeLeo at 617 722 2990 and request that supplemental … [Read more...]