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: A Public Defender's Life in Alaska

So, you know what the worst part of being a public defender is sometimes? Dealing with DA's who have simply lost their way. I recently asked a DA to arrange a meeting with some witnesses and he says 'no'! They are 'too busy'. Like he can tell me no. It is trite law that there is no property in a witness. The Alaska Supreme Court said so most recently in Murtagh v. State 169 P.3d 602 (Alaska 2007). So fine. Too busy? We'll see about it. It is just a typical power play by the DA. That is all I can say. Privilege aside, I know many local DA's and Judges read this blog. Maybe even the DA in question. Hey buddy...you are trying to convict a man of murder....this means he gets the highest level of defense work. Don't tell me that witnesses are 'too busy'. I hope when DA's or judges read this, they get a better sense of some of the crap we have to deal with. Here's a fu&^% clue for some DA's: read the law. Need that cite for Murtagh again? This is not funny or even fun. Ok. Who am I kidding. It is fun. God I love getting into the trenches. And I love being shoved there even more. God being a defense lawyer is fun sometimes. I love pumping myself up to do battle with the State. Win or lose, I love the feeling I get when I am alone. Preparing for trial. Listening to Tom Cochrane at full volume. Dreaming of my arguments.But if it gets too much, thank God for hockey. And beer.

Full post as published by A Public Defender's Life in Alaska on December 01, 2009 (boomark / email).