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Board reviews Virginia Access to Justice proposals; fiscal and operational details unclear for Fairfax
Summary
Committee discussed ambitious bills that would expand public defense, require increased misdemeanor coverage by prosecutors and create appellate defender capabilities; staff said budget amendments exist but details of local impacts and allocations remain unclear.
Fairfax County staff discussed proposed legislation labeled the Virginia Access to Justice Act (HB 1865 and SB 1183) that would increase legal representation for indigent defendants and shift responsibilities for certain misdemeanor prosecutions.
County staff explained the bills would require Commonwealth's attorneys to handle misdemeanors (class 1–3), establish public-defender offices in localities and create an appellate defender office or system. The measure also includes a large budget…
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