Maryland seeing increase in need of public defenders
MARYLAND – Every day, Marylanders across the state need legal help, specifically when it’s free.
“What we would say is there’s always been a high need for public defenders across Maryland but in particularly on the Eastern shore,” said Chasity Simpson.
Public Defenders on the Eastern Shore say the need for their legal counsel is growing because the work that they do can make a difference in someone’s life. “We at the public defenders office work very hard to connect people with resources and be the real problem solvers. Present to the court options to the states of attorneys’ office options that don’t always have to be punitive,” said Tammy Stofa.
Working with those who can’t afford a private attorney, Chasity Simpson says public defenders are in demand because of a lack of resources for those struggling in the community. “There aren’t a lot of mental health providers, there are not a lot of options for substance-abuse treatment here on the eastern shore, there are more than there used to be, but it’s something that we’re going to continue to need to increase and fund,” said Simpson.
Tammy Stofa says that some of the need comes from lengthier research processes to actively fight a case. “We have more forensics that are used and we have harsher sentencing and when policies that are in place, and when that occurs that takes a lot more time, a lot more resources to adequately be able to address when someone is facing a great amount of time,” said Stofa.
Though the public defender may be free, they ensure clarity to a fair and justice case. “We’re very educated, highly educated attorneys. We’re real attorneys and we do this because we really care about the mission of the agency and the person involved in the process and I think that makes us much more valuable,” said Stofa.
Simpson says you should be honest with your attorney and tell them all the details of your case, that information is confidential but the more they know the better they can create a stronger case.
If you need legal help, the sooner you get an attorney the better. For more information about the Office of Public Defenders, click here. The 2023 Public Defender Annual Report can be found here.
