Public Defense Shortage Resurfaces in Western Mass.

MassBar Beat

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel for criminal defendants who cannot afford to pay for an attorney. But a shortage of lawyers able to represent indigent defendants in Western Massachusetts is again placing a burden on public defenders and the courts. In this episode, host Jordan Rich speaks with Anthony Benedetti, chief counsel of the state Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), about the factors contributing to this recurring problem, and how an increase in the hourly rate for private bar advocates could be part of the solution.