Utah's appeals defense office is short of lawyers, leaving about 70 prisoners waiting
The division's caseload grew from about 20 appeals in 2020 to nearly 100 last fiscal year on a $2 million budget.
Based on reporting by The Salt Lake Tribune. Read the original story →
About 70 convicted people are waiting for attorneys to take their appeals through Utah's Indigent Appellate Defense Division, which handles criminal appeals from rural parts of the state, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. [1]
The division's caseload rose from roughly 20 appeals when it was created in 2020 to nearly 100 last fiscal year, while its $2 million budget has not kept pace, the Tribune reported. Director Matthew Barraza said the division needs twice as many attorneys. [1]
Ben Miller, the division's former deputy chief, said attorneys can take up to two years to file opening briefs, when 60 to 90 days is ideal. [1]
Sen. Brady Brammer suggested limiting the issues that can be appealed, which Barraza opposed. The article describes no formal bill. The Indigent Defense Commission has requested more money, the Tribune reported. [1]
Sources
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