PA public defender turning away some cases

Chief Public Defender Al Flora say his office has turned away five people

The public defender's office in a northeastern Pennsylvania county is turning away some seeking representation because of a staff and funding shortage.

Luzerne County Chief Public Defender Al Flora tells The Times Leader of Wilkes-Barre his office turned away five people on Monday.

Flora says unless he gets more money and staff public defenders will only represent defendants in homicide and certain other cases. Flora says he hopes to meet with county officials and solve the problem.

The five people turned away were given letters to show the judges handling their cases.
Flora says he can turn away applicants if his office can't represent them effectively.

President Judge Thomas Burke tells The Times-Leader he'll meet with the rest of the county's judges and decide how to proceed.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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