Nonpayment Under Federal Shutdown Threatens Ray Martinez’s Right to Fair Trial
The federal government’s shutdown has entered its third week, with Republicans pushing for a clean continuing resolution and Democrats demanding funding for expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The shutdown has far-reaching ramifications, impacting public defenders' ability to represent clients.
Ahead of a status hearing, attorneys for former V.I. Police Department Commissioner Ray Martinez told the court they cannot afford accommodation on St. Thomas for the trial in December.
Attorneys warned that nonpayment under the federal shutdown threatens Ray Martinez’s right to a fair trial.
Author's summary: Shutdown affects trial fairness.