March is Public Defense Month!

Alongside Women's History Month, we celebrate Public Defense month in March ahead of Gideon's Day - on March 18, 1963, the Supreme Court enshrined our right to a lawyer against criminal accusations even if you cannot afford one. We fight to realize that dream for every one of our clients. 

We've got a great start to the month because last Friday, local news coverage renewed our call for caseload limits and higher quality indigent defense. 

Our co-founder's quote in the article captures why it matters to people who are poor and accused of crimes: "They don't know whether they've been indicted or not," Willey said of the clients he had taken on. "They don't know who the complaining witness is. They haven't met their lawyer, and they have no idea if their lawyer is working on their case."

It matters to so many people, like our client Michael. If you haven't read his story yet, I promise you'll be moved and encouraged by his tenacity to overcome the odds. 

As you can see, this work takes a lot. We've honestly seen a dip in support from this digital audience over the last couple years. That's why we're asking you to re-engage with an uplifting goal this month. If each person in our digital audience gave just $2, we would reach our goal of $50,000. 

You'll be hearing more updates, news, and stories this month as we continue to honor vital Constitutional and humane rights, one client and heart at a time.