Public Defenseless 02: Why is it Common for People to be Held for a Year With No Attorney in Mississippi? w/Andre De Gruy
Dec 20, 2021
Andre De Gruy, State Public Defender of Mississippi and reform advocate, discusses the complexities of the public defense system in the state. He highlights the challenges of securing funding and the 'black hole' of the indictment process, where defendants often go months without legal counsel. Andre shares insights on the history of public defense, the pressure for incremental reform, and the need for early appointment of counsel. His vision includes a Michigan-inspired model to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and address the systemic failures that have led to the current crisis.
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Devastating Trial Prep Failure
- George County's contract defender prepared for trials the night before and never interviewed witnesses.
- That failure led to a 60-year sentence for a teenager and exemplifies systemic indigent defense collapse.
The 'Black Hole' Of Indictment Delay
- Mississippi's indictment system creates a 'black hole' where arrested people often don't see counsel until indictment months later.
- That delay routinely leaves people jailed on unaffordable bail with no early defense or investigation.
Eight Months Jailed Without Review
- John Montgomery spent eight months jailed while two appointed lawyers never spoke to him, and a third found no evidence.
- The case cost the state thousands and left Montgomery with lasting harms and no remedy.
