Indigent Defense

About 40 court-appointed defense lawyers in 1 state refuse new cases; shutdown also affects local DC courts

The government shutdown affecting court-appointed lawyers in federal cases is now being felt in Washington, D.C., where money is running out for private attorneys representing indigent defendants in local courts.

Nov 6, 2025 9:39 AM CST

Justice by Design: Can legal tech deliver on its promise?

Justice can be defined as the quality of being impartial or fair. In practice, fairness has never been evenly distributed. Access to justice has always been available to those who can afford it, while those without the necessary means were often left to their own devices. That unfortunate reality reflects inherent inequity; when only the wealthiest in a society can afford legal representation, injustice inevitably follows.

Oct 24, 2025 11:05 AM CDT

Contractual caseload quotas force Oregon public defenders ‘to operate beyond their ethical capacity,’ suit says

A new state contract for organizations providing public defender services in Oregon has an unenforceable quota provision for caseloads that would often make it impossible for defense lawyers to do their jobs, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 30.

Oct 9, 2025 9:31 AM CDT

Utah contracts with former federal defender chief to represent suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting death

Utah County has hired a private lawyer with significant criminal defense experience to represent the man accused of fatally shooting conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

Sep 26, 2025 9:59 AM CDT

Trump’s plan to penalize states using cashless bail is unconstitutional and unnecessary, critics say

Critics are raising questions about the constitutionality and wisdom of President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to pressure states to require cash bail for defendants charged with a variety of crimes.

Aug 28, 2025 9:36 AM CDT

Person accused in machete attack among those with dropped charges amid defense lawyer work stoppage

The chief justice of Boston’s municipal court dismissed 39 more criminal cases amid a defense lawyer work stoppage Tuesday, including that of a person accused in a machete attack near a school.

Aug 13, 2025 9:29 AM CDT

After attorney work stoppage, some criminal defendants released over lack of representation in this state

Some criminal defendants awaiting trial in Massachusetts have been released following a work stoppage by court-appointed lawyers in the state.

Jul 8, 2025 10:23 AM CDT

Founder of NYC public defender office indicted on fraud charges

The founder of one of New York City’s public defender offices is facing fraud charges for allegedly taking money from the organization for luxury vacations, a penthouse apartment and designer clothes.

Jun 16, 2025 10:15 AM CDT

Crisis looming in Massachusetts as court-appointed attorneys refuse to take on more cases

Massachusetts is experiencing a “full-blown constitutional breakdown” as bar advocates refuse to take on more court-appointed cases, according to the leader of the state’s association of criminal defense attorneys.

Jun 16, 2025 9:14 AM CDT

These attorneys defend clients in need; their pay is being frozen for months

A number of attorneys representing clients who cannot afford legal representation in federal cases are set to have their pay halted for more than two months because of budget shortfalls in the congressional spending bill passed this year, court officials say, alarming lawyers and judges.

May 14, 2025 9:05 AM CDT

11 ABA advocacy wins from the 118th Congress

Although the 118th Congress may be remembered as one of the turbulent and least productive in modern history, the ABA Governmental Affairs Office achieved notable legislative successes through close collaboration with ABA leadership, entities and advocacy partners. These efforts were further complemented by substantial progress on various policy issues before federal agencies, commissions and other administrative bodies in the last two years that impact the legal profession, access to justice and the rule of law.

Jan 29, 2025 8:46 AM CST

About 40 court-appointed defense lawyers in 1 state refuse new cases; shutdown also affects local DC courts

Justice by Design: Can legal tech deliver on its promise?

Contractual caseload quotas force Oregon public defenders ‘to operate beyond their ethical capacity,’ suit says

Utah contracts with former federal defender chief to represent suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting death

Trump’s plan to penalize states using cashless bail is unconstitutional and unnecessary, critics say

Person accused in machete attack among those with dropped charges amid defense lawyer work stoppage

After attorney work stoppage, some criminal defendants released over lack of representation in this state

Founder of NYC public defender office indicted on fraud charges

Crisis looming in Massachusetts as court-appointed attorneys refuse to take on more cases

These attorneys defend clients in need; their pay is being frozen for months

11 ABA advocacy wins from the 118th Congress

Should defendants without court-appointed lawyers be released? Should charges be dropped? Judge weighs remedies

Defenseless: Lack of public defenders creates a crisis for indigent clients and increased caseloads for lawyers

Judge who cut bail for man linked to later fatal arson had cited his right to counsel

Migrants who cross the border illegally won’t be allowed a lawyer if they don’t get one pronto

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