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Monday, January 9, 2012

Maryland Now Requires All Defendants Have Council Present At Bail Hearings

MARYLAND - Maryland lawyers are biting the bullet, now that defendants will be required to have legal council present during all bail hearings. Before, individuals would face court commissioners alone to argue for freedom. However, officials say having council present will give defendants a better shot. Wicomico County State's Attorney Matt Maciarello says this move will effect their bottom line, especially for public defenders.
"They are expecting to have to double their budget to comply with the mandate that was written in the four corners of the court of appeals opinion, and I would assume that all the state's attorney office would have to do the same," he said.
Failure to provide the required attorneys could lead to class action lawsuits, or the attorneys could be held in contempt. The requirement has already taken effect in Maryland.

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