Massachusetts Pay Dispute Leaves Defendants Unrepresented, Threatening Justice and Public Safety

In Massachusetts, a dangerous stalemate has unfolded as a pay dispute between public defenders and state officials forces the release of defendants without legal representation. Notably, among those freed under the newly implemented Lavallee protocol is a man accused of strangling his pregnant girlfriend—a chilling example of the risks posed when justice takes a backseat to political gridlock. The Lavallee protocol mandates releasing defendants held longer than seven days without an attorney, and potentially dismissing charges after 45 days if no legal counsel is provided. This emergency measure emerged after public defenders, citing being the lowest paid in New England...