KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — A new survey says Michigan is one of the worst states when it comes to providing adequate legal representation for the poor.
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission says poor defendants tend to be given no other option for counsel if their request for an attorney is denied, and only six public defender offices are operating statewide.
Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, says the poor should expect fair treatment in court, and recently-passed legislation will help balance the scales of justice.
“Michigan passed laws last years that required that an indigent defense system be set up,” Proos said. “Most of our counties are doing it themselves, and some other counties have chosen to go with a state system.”
The commission says the deficiencies have sent the innocent to jail.
