By Debra Ellick
Good morning Pastor. Your George Washington quote is so relevant this morning! If I may add to your insightful post, as you are keenly aware, each of us is shaped by our experiences in America. Unlike you, I view the America I was socialized within through a different prism. As you acknowledge, the GOP may be exactly who they've always been.
September 15, 2016
Orange County Democratic Black Caucus and Community Steeple Media, LLc agree to create a communications network with a Black people focus.
The Orange County Democratic Black Caucus is THE Political Voice of and by the people in Central Florida. Wanting to make that statement more true, the OCDBC realized there is a need for a communications network that allows for the free flow of ideas by the community.
Public defenders play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, representing individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel. However, due to limited resources and heavy caseloads, there are several areas where public defenders may face challenges. As a client, understanding these limitations can empower you to take proactive steps to improve your defense. Here are five common issues and what you can do to help:
1. Delayed Access to Police Reports
Issue: Public defenders often wait to receive police reports from the prosecutor’s office. This delay can hinder the defense’s ability to build a strong case promptly.
What You Can Do:
Public defender offices are underfunded both absolutely and in comparison, to better-funded prosecutor offices. Despite this, public defenders do the best job they can advocating for defendants who cannot afford private representation.
Research suggests that public defenders can be as effective as privately retained lawyers in terms of producing outcomes for defendants, if sufficiently staffed.
But, therein lies the problem. Public Defenders offices are not sufficiently staffed and therefore the defendants don’t always get proper legal representation.
As a defendant, taking proactive steps can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are nine crucial actions you should take as soon as possible:
Read more: 9 Essential Actions You Must Take to Help Your Public Defender Get Your Case Dismissed
