Public defenders, known as bar advocates, have ceased work in Massachusetts to demand higher wages. Their actions threaten to lead to case dismissals for unrepresented defendants in Suffolk and Middlesex counties. The Supreme Judicial Court ruled that judges should release defendants in custody without representation after seven days, and dismiss cases pending longer than 45 days. Bar advocates currently earn $65 per hour, the lowest compensation compared to neighboring states, which offer significantly higher rates. The Committee for Public Counsel Services filed for revised wage support while addressing unrepresented defendants' rights.
"In Massachusetts, bar advocates make $65 an hour, their latest raise in 2022. This is the lowest rate among neighboring states, some of which offer more than twice the Massachusetts rate."
"Hundreds of cases against unrepresented people facing criminal charges in Suffolk and Middlesex counties might be dropped by the end of the month due to an ongoing work stoppage by public defenders."
"Most of the constitutionally required representation for defendants who cannot afford their own in Massachusetts is provided by bar advocates, who are not state employees but private attorneys."
"A 25-page order filed Thursday invoked an emergency protocol that ordered judges to release unrepresented defendants who have been in custody for more than seven days."
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