Celebrating a Historic Milestone for PA Public Defense
Senator Hughes recently hosted a press conference with fellow lawmakers and legal leaders from across Pennsylvania to recognize a historic milestone for Pennsylvania public defense and the overall equality of the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system.
The state has invested $7.5 MILLION in first-time funding for public defenders, investigators, and staff who help clients who cannot afford their own private lawyer.
“For most individuals, especially low-income individuals who can’t afford private council, criminal justice reform starts with a well-trained and appropriately funded legal defense. This first-time indigent defense funding and the formation of the Indigent Defense Advisory Committee is the start of ensuring equal justice for everyone in Pennsylvania.”
Senator Hughes
A message from Senator Hughes about the importance of funding public defenders and a criminal justice system that supports individuals who cannot afford their own lawyer.
A study conducted by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee in 2021 found that over 50% of criminal cases in Pennsylvania utilized a public defender. Yet, Pennsylvania ranks 45th in total indigent defense funding, according to the Sixth Amendment Center.
Governor Shapiro has proposed $10M, a 25% increase, for this important work and service in our next budget.
Senator Hughes and the coalition of lawmakers and legal leaders pledged to fight for this increase in funding and more support for public defense and criminal justice in Pennsylvania. They collectively called for justice for all.
“This initial downpayment on justice was funded with a $7.5M appropriation. Now, our call to action is to increase that investment by 25% in our next budget. States around the country are in triple digits with how much they fund public defense, and it’s time Pennsylvania provides the same fair and equal access to justice.”
Senator Hughes