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Public Defender?s Office budget shortfall could stall cases

By Gideon

From WWLTV (NOLA): Two major players in the New Orleans criminal justice system will make their budget pitches to the City Council on Friday, but only one is expected to get funding. The District Attorney?s Office has historically received millions from the city’s general fund, but those with the Orleans Public Defenders say they’ve never received a dime. Incoming Chief Public Defender Derwyn Bunton says an upcoming financial shortfall is only expected to make matters worse. “Everything is on the table for us, from cuts in services to cuts in staff and salaries,” said Bunton. The office is funded through the state, court fees and fines, and through a $1.7 million grant from the federal government.  The grant, however, is slated to expire at the end of the year...continue to full post

Full post as published by Public Defender Stuff on November 21, 2008 (boomark / email).