ACLU files emergency motion with Idaho Supreme Court over public defense reform
Since the office of the State Public Defender went into effect Oct. 1, North Idaho has faced a shortage of public defenders.
KAYE THORNBRUGH/Press
COEUR d’ALENE — Idaho’s new public defense system is “headed for a disaster” unless the Idaho Supreme Court intervenes, the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho said in new court filings.
In the three months since public defense services in Idaho’s 44 counties were consolidated into the office of the State Public Defender, the system has “rapidly deteriorated,” leading to mass resignations by public defense attorneys, as well as defendants spending weeks or months in jail and appearing in court without speaking to an assigned attorney.
“This is an obvious and egregious violation of a defendant’s right to legal representation,” Leo Morales, executive director of the ACLU of Idaho, said in a news release Thursday.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
