Public Defense

The AQA thread

By Gideon

Once in a while I feel magnanimous. Like tonight. So I will answer all questions asked (thus, AQA). This is an AQA thread.

Let’s start off with some recent queries that brought people to this blog:

• is it ethical for a public defender to refuse to represent a person believed to be guilty? The short answer is no. There is no long answer.
• father in prison, can they file an amendment by default? I’d answer if it I knew what the hell it meant. I’m going to say….all signs point to yes.
• why are prisons overcrowded in the US? Oh boy. This is a doozie. Well, let’s see. Overcriminalization, harsh sentencing, no parole or early release and the complete and total lack of rehabilitation in prisons leading to recidivism. How’s that?
• how do I get a public defender? Well, it varies from state to state. Usually you apply for a public defender at the local courthouse or in court when being arraigned.
• how to get around statutory rape? Abstain or don’t get caught.
• Connecticut public defender office. (this isn’t really a question, but here)
• How can prison overcrowding be reproduced? The old fashioned way, I’d imagine. See answer 3 above.
• Your chance for change rehab in CT? Limited
• Cross examining a known eyewitness? Easier than cross-examining an unknown eyewitness, I imagine.
• What are the principles of law? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom, too.
• CT Constitutional Amendment question 1 2008. No. See, that was simple. Repeat after me: No.
• When an arrest is illegal. This feels like a game of madlibs. Hmm, let’s see. When an arrest is illegal the yellow mongoose swims with the overcrowded prison!
• Todd Rizzo, CT? Sad.
• Stoned. Good for you!
• How to keep prior conviction from being introduced at trial? Claim to be your twin brother. Or get a lawyer who can do it for you. Either one has a 50-50 shot at success.
• Ice cream Truck, and finally:
• Gay oral

What-choo got?

Full post as published by A Public Defender on October 27, 2008 (boomark / email).