NCJ Number
59197
Date Published
1978
Length
188 pages
Annotation
THIS REVIEW OF THE DEFENDER OFFICE OF THE DETROIT, MICH., LEGAL AID AND DEFENDER ASSOCIATION, THE DIVISION WHICH REPRESENTS ADULTS ACCUSED OF SERIOUS STATE OFFENSES, FINDS THAT BETTER TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT ARE NEEDED.
Abstract
IN ADDITION TO THE DEFENDER OFFICE, THE LEGAL AID ASSOCIATION ALSO HAS DIVISIONS FOR JUVENILES AND FEDERAL OFFENDERS, WHICH ARE COVERED BY COMPANION VOLUMES. THAT THE TOTAL INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM OF DETROIT NEEDS REVISION BECAME APPARENT DURING THE STUDY. THE FEE SCHEDULES ARE INADEQUATE AND DETER COMPETENT REPRESENTATION. AN ATTORNEY IS NOT APPOINTED UNTIL ARRAIGNMENT, AND OFTEN THE DEFENDANT SPENDS UNNECESSARY TIME IN JAIL, INCREASING COUNTY INCARCERATION COSTS. THE DEFENDER OFFICE ITSELF NEEDS BETTER TRAINING FOR NEW ATTORNEYS, A JOB MANUAL TO STANDARDIZE PROCEDURES, A BRIEF BANK TO SAVE TIME, TRAINING IN THE USE OF INVESTIGATIVE STAFF, AND NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICES TO MAKE SERVICES MORE ACCESSIBLE. EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO KEEP DEFENDANTS INFORMED AS TO THE PROGRESS OF THEIR CASES, THE SAME ATTORNEY SHOULD FOLLOW THE DEFENDANT THROUGHOUT THE COURT PROCESS, AND ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE SENTENCING PROCESS. THE CHIEF DEFENDER IS URGED TO SEEK ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS. APPENDICES CONTAIN STUDY DATA, STATISTICS FROM THE DEFENDER OFFICE, COMPARISONS OF FEE SCHEDULES, CASELOAD DATA, AND COMPARATIVE SALARY SCALES FOR PROSECUTORS AND DEFENDERS. GLR)