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Public defender agency and bar advocates press for continued rate increases and review of private-bar caps
Summary
Committee for Public Counsel Services and bar advocates told the committee the indigent defense system remains strained despite recent emergency increases and urged continued review of private-bar hourly rates and caps. Witnesses described hiring, incentive programs and the need for sustained funding to avoid case dismissals and ensure
Anthony Benedetti, chief counsel at the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), told the committee that Massachusetts' public-defense system remains in crisis despite recent legislative action that raised hourly rates and gave CPCS funds to hire staff.
Benedetti said the legislature enacted a $10 hourly increase this summer with a…
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