Full episode
595: Deep End of the Pool
Act One

If You Cannot Afford an Attorney, Some Random Dude Will Be Appointed to You

A lawyer with almost no experience in criminal law is assigned to a criminal case with a sentence of 20 years to life. This happened because, in Louisiana, like in a few states, public defenders’ offices are so short-staffed that courts are ordering private attorneys to take pro bono clients. Reporter David Zax tells the story. (29 minutes)