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County judges warn attorney shortages have forced dozens of case dismissals
Summary
Mason County judges and the county prosecutor told commissioners that shortages of defense attorneys and delays at the state toxicology lab are disrupting criminal calendars; Judge Steele said he has dismissed 25 cases without prejudice because public defenders were unavailable.
Mason County judges and the county prosecutor told the commission that shortages in defense counsel and lab backlogs are hampering the courts and forcing case delays and dismissals.
Judge Steele described long turnaround times at the state toxicology lab and the limited availability of public defense attorneys. “I have had to dismiss now 25 cases without prejudice,” he said, adding that delays in toxicology testing and…
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