Attleboro, MA asked in Criminal Law for Massachusetts

Q: Brother being charged with 2 counts of murder and something else. Self defense. Low income family. Need help

He has a public defender. Being denied funds by judge to help in his defense to prove innocence. Happened in his home, attacked by three other men. Hasn’t even been to trial. He knows he took two lives, one man survived whom he didn’t even know. He owed one of the now deceased money. Whole family at a loss, not getting a proper investigation/ defense. He is remorseful but adamant that he was defending himself. This is a high profile case in Bristol county area currently. We know he will serve time but shouldn’t be for murder or intent. Question is he needs a lawyer pro bono how do we acquire one? we are afraid he will be wrongfully convicted, lost in the system all because his current public defender has too much on his plate and not pushing hard enough for justice.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL

A: Even if he had a private lawyer, he would still not receive the funds.

Joseph B. Simons
Joseph B. Simons
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Boston, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: You have at least a couple options. Your brother can ask the judge to assign him another court appointed lawyer, or you can call around and try to find a private defense attorney who would be willing to take the case either pro bono or at a reduced fee. I have certainly agreed to that when possible. Good luck to you and your family.

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