A southwest Idaho law firm has filed a lawsuit against the state and Canyon County over the way public defenders are chosen and paid.
The firm Moffatt Thomas filed the lawsuit last week in 3rd District Court seeking to prevent Canyon County from terminating its contract with two lawyers who represent defendants who can’t afford an attorney.
The lawsuit alleges that Idaho is violating the rights of the accused to have an attorney regardless of the ability to pay.
Canyon County notified the attorneys earlier this year that their contracts to represent indigent defendants was being terminated.
The Canyon County Prosecutor says a new process to select public defenders will protect the rights of the accused. (AP)
Idaho lawsuit seeks to define how indigent defendants receive representation
Published: April 30, 2009Posted in: Crime, Idaho, News
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