Here’s a fascinating case that my brother (a newspaper reporter) is covering in Maine. It seems that the defendant’s behavior has driven off several public defense lawyers and the judge took away his right to a public defender. This seems like a risky move for the judge, but I certainly can’t think of a better solution. Public defenders certainly shouldn’t be required to put themselves in danger to aid their assigned clients. I’m looking forward to reading about the Maine Supreme Court’s final ruling.
Originally shared by Scott Dolan
Maine’s high court mulls appeal of defendant stripped of his right to an attorney
Joshua Nisbet, 38, of Scarborough, who went through five lawyers and then was ordered to defend himself, is appealing his conviction on a robbery charge.