Please help fix New York State's broken defense system!

Dear friends,

New York State's system of public defense is broken --- and we need you to speak out right away to help fix it.

People who are accused of a crime in New York and can't afford a lawyer are thrown into a system that makes a mockery of justice. Many clients -- disproportionately poor young men of color -- get only moments to speak with their lawyer before entering a plea with the judge. All too often that plea is "guilty," because their overworked defender doesn't have the time or resources to fight the case. Thankfully, former Chief Judge Judith Kaye recognized this as a crisis that fills our jails and allows for wrongful convictions. Kaye called for a politically independent commission to take the system over, putting experienced advocates for a just and efficient public defense system in charge of setting policy, enforcing standards and representing client. The Commission has the support of the New York State Bar Association and over 200 community organizations state-wide. Legislators in Albany are deciding right now whether to pass this urgent reform.

Everyone deserves quality representation in court. Can you call state leaders and the Governor? Tell them: "Judge Kaye was right -- New York needs an Independent Public Defense Commission."

Here's where to call:
State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith -- (518) 455-2701
Governor David Paterson -- (518) 474-8390
State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver -- (518) 455-3791

Thanks in advance for reaching out. To learn more about the campaign and how to help, head to www.NewYorkJusticeFund.org/action.htm. Together we're going to win this fight, and help make New York's public defense system something we can be proud of.

-- Katie, Keith, and Daniel
Organizers, Campaign for an Independent Public Defense Commission
New York State Defenders Justice Fundwww.NewYorkJusticeFund.org