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St. Lawrence County public defenders abusing system to pad salaries?

Posted 4/9/15

To the Editor: I read with special interest the article "Are Public Defenders In St. Lawrence County Abusing The System To Pad Salaries?" on www.wwnytv.com. I was admitted to the bar in New York …

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St. Lawrence County public defenders abusing system to pad salaries?

Posted

To the Editor:

I read with special interest the article "Are Public Defenders In St. Lawrence County Abusing The System To Pad Salaries?" on www.wwnytv.com.

I was admitted to the bar in New York State in 1959 and practiced for nearly 20 years in St. Lawrence County. If all or any part of what was stated in the article is true, it is an absolute disgrace to an honorable profession, and indicates to me, that to some in the profession, it is now all about the amount of dollars to be made. There are also substantial ethical questions involved, which should be looked into.

While I was practicing law in Massena (1959-1965) we, members of the Bar, were ordered by the Supreme Court judges to represent indigents without any compensation (including travel expense). We were told: " You have been granted the privileges of the law profession and you now must accept the duties thereof." On many occasions I traveled from Massena to Canton and back three or more times to represent clients in criminal cases.

I realize that times have changed and that there have been many nuances in the law profession since I left the profession. However, as a former member of the "Second oldest profession, but the most honorable", I see many problems, if these matters are not looked into and solved.

J. Neil Devine

Parishville