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The Nexus
CRIMEJul 29 · 12:00 UTCCALMATTERSAnat Rubin

CA’s privatized public defense leads to caseloads 3x the most basic standards, report finds

A report finds that California's privatized public defense system leads to caseloads three times the recommended standards, with a 2025 example in Kings County showing a lawyer representing nearly 600 defendants. Flat-fee contracts in 24 counties incentivize minimal case work, undermining defense quality and leading to pressure on defendants to accept plea deals.

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Mentioned
CalMattersorganizationWren CollectiveorganizationJosh SchwartzpersonKings CountyplaceFitzgerald, Alvarez and CiummoorganizationMadera CountyplaceLinette Lomelipersonflat-fee contractstopic
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CA’s privatized public defense leads to caseloads 3x the most basic standards, report finds · The Nexus