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More than 120 criminal cases gone in a day
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A Boston judge dismissed them Tuesday, not because of lack of evidence
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but because defendants couldn't get a lawyer. The cases range from shoplifting to assault on police officers and domestic abuse
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A Boston judge cited a legal rule known as the Lavallee Protocol
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It requires courts to dismiss cases if defendants go 45 days without a lawyer
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or release them if they've been locked up for seven. She dismissed the cases without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled later
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The crisis comes as bar advocates, private attorneys who handle cases when public defenders can't
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continue to refuse new cases over pay. They say Massachusetts pays the lowest rates in New England, making it impossible to keep up with demand
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Public defenders are currently paid $65 an hour in district court and request a pay raise to $73
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with $150 requested for murder cases up from $120. Lawmakers say they're open to talks to preserve the justice system, victims and defendants
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Governor Maura Healy says due process must be upheld and public defenders deserve fair pay
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For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey. For more on this story, download the Straight Arrow News mobile app or go to san.com
