The adversary system does not ordinarily let prosecutors pick their opponents. Indeed, most states do not allow established relationships between lawyers and their clients to be interrupted for any but the most exceptional reasons.Read more
Two states, Georgia and Louisiana, take a less sporting attitude, saying poor defendants may be forced to switch lawyers long after the case is under way and must take whomever the state can afford at the time.
FED MONEY GOES TO COPS INSTEAD OF PDs NLADA Gideon Alert!
Ohio: Federal stimulus money dedicated to improve right to counsel services instead used for law enforcement in Hamilton County (Cincinnati). In response, the Ohio Public Defender Commission threatens litigation and withholding of other state funding until new reforms implemented. County Commissioners appear to have gotten the message. Read more. 6.28.10
