Massachusetts Courts Toss Dozens Of Criminal Cases While Public Defenders Strike
Over 100 criminal cases in Massachusetts have been thrown out due to an ongoing work stoppage by disgruntled lawyers who perform the majority of public defense work in the state, according to multiple reports. Boston…
Over 100 criminal cases in Massachusetts have been thrown out due to an ongoing work stoppage by disgruntled lawyers who perform the majority of public defense work in the state, according to multiple reports.
Boston Municipal Court Chief Justice Tracy-Lee Lyons dismissed more than 120 criminal cases on July 22 — including several involving violent offenses — due to defendants being unable to obtain legal representation, according to CBS News. Hundreds more cases are at risk of dismissal as many of the state’s court-appointed lawyers have been on strike since Memorial Day over pay disputes.
“It’s very irresponsible. It’s selfish and it’s greedy,” former Walpole and Newton, Massachusetts police chief John Carmichael said, according to CBS News. “You don’t just get to not come to work, because the whole system breaks down.”
Under Massachusetts court rules, criminal defendants without an attorney for more than seven days are required to be released. After 45 days, their cases are eligible for dismissal, though charges can be refiled.