Person accused in machete attack among those with dropped charges amid defense lawyer work stoppage
Briefly

The Boston Municipal Court dismissed 39 additional criminal cases, including that of Genry Pache Baez, accused of a machete attack. The dismissals occurred because defense lawyers, protesting low pay, stopped accepting new cases. A Massachusetts protocol mandates the release of indigent defendants held for seven days without legal representation and dismisses charges for those without a lawyer for 45 days. Prosecutors can seek to reinstate these cases. Lawyers are advocating for increased hourly pay from $65 to $100, with a new law raising it to $85 per hour.
Judge Tracy-Lee Lyons dismissed 39 criminal cases, including a machete attack case, under a Massachusetts protocol for indigent defendants without legal representation.
Indigent defendants in custody for seven days without a lawyer are released, and those without representation for 45 days have charges dismissed.
Genry Pache Baez, accused of felony assault with a machete, was released without bail and complied with release terms.
Court-appointed lawyers are protesting low pay, seeking a raise from $65 to $100 per hour, with a gradual increase to $85 per hour already set.
Read at ABA Journal
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