About Massachusetts Indigent Defense
Structure Massachusetts uses a hybrid system of private attorneys and full-time staff public defenders. It is governed by the Committee for Public Counsel Services, which oversees the public defender offices and also sets the standards and guidelines for private appointed counsel.
Funding The system is 100% state funded. Massachusetts has encountered problems recruiting attorneys to be appointed, in large part due to the very low hourly rates paid for appointed work. In response to these problems, the rates were raised in July 2004. Despite the raise, the Massachusetts rates continue to be significantly lower than average.
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