Florida Budget Cuts Decrease Resources For Public Defenders As The Number Of Cases Increase
Budget cuts are affecting every government from the national to state and local levels. We are all feeling the pinch but the cuts in Florida’s budget are particularly deep and are starting to affect the citizens of Florida in ways they weren’t expecting. One example is the budget cuts that are currently affecting an already underfunded and overworked Florida Public Defender’s Office. (read more)
When Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the latest budget into law across the board cuts went into affect and those budget reductions are having a monumental effect on the justice system and the state’s ability to represent defendants. That applies to all parts of the state including Tampa and Hillsborough County.
“I think there are a couple more common ethical issues we are dealing with in the Public Defenders Office,” said Public Defender Matt Shirk. “Our case load is increasing as the population increases and our budgets are decreasing.
“Just his year, the Legislature cut two of our full-time positions out, even though we could have the ability to hire two full-time attorneys in the next fiscal year. They have decided we are not able to. Our case loads are rising. They are well over what every association agrees is the limit for what an attorney should be able to handle in a year. We are two- to-three times that. We are trying to do more with less, yet still be effective advocates for our clients.”
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense in Florida and need an attorney to fight for your rights, please contact Darren Finebloom at 1-800-FIGHT-IT or online at fightyourcase.com to discuss the matter.
