Massachusetts defendants awaiting trial were released after a work stoppage by court-appointed lawyers protesting low pay. Seven defendants were released on personal recognizance in Suffolk County under the Lavallee Protocol, which requires the release of indigent defendants held for seven days without counsel. The protocol also dismisses charges for those without representation for 45 days, allowing for reinstatement when an attorney is assigned. The work stoppage was in response to low compensation rates.
In response to a work stoppage by court-appointed lawyers in Massachusetts, several criminal defendants have been released due to lack of legal representation, following an emergency protocol from the state’s Supreme Judicial Court.
The Lavallee Protocol mandates the release of indigent defendants held without counsel for seven days and dismissal of charges for defendants without representation for 45 days, allowing for later reinstatement.
Collection
[
|
...
]