Petition for a Special Audit and Investigation into The Committee for Public Counsel Service (CPCS) related to criminal legal representation.

We, the undersigned members and supporters of the CPCS Accountability Project, demand a special audit and thorough investigation into the Criminal Private Counsel Division of The Committee for Criminal Public Counsel Service (CPCS) in Massachusetts related to criminal legal representation.

 

Whereas:

1. There are serious violations of misconduct, fraud, and ineffective representation by attorneys assigned through CPCS;

2. Concerns have been raised about racial biases in case assignments and outcomes.

3. There are reports of attorneys billing for services not rendered and violating professional ethical standards.

4. The screening process for post-conviction relief appears to be flawed and denying justice to wrongfully convicted individuals.

5. These issues vastly affect Black and Brown communities disproportionately, perpetuating systemic inequities in the criminal justice system.

 

THEREFORE, we petition for:

1. An independent, comprehensive audit of CPCS's Criminal Division, including billing practices, case assignments, and outcomes.

2. A thorough investigation into allegations of misconduct, fraud, and ineffective representation by specific attorneys mentioned in complaints.

3. A review of the screening process for post-conviction relief to ensure it is fair, transparent, thorough, and unbiased.

4. Implementation of robust oversight and accountability measures for all assigned counsel.

5. Reforms to ensure equitable, high-quality representation for all indigent defendants, regardless of race or background.

We believe these actions are necessary to uphold the principles of justice, ensure ethical and effective legal representation, and address systemic inequities in our criminal justice system. We demand for the appropriate authorities to take immediate action on this urgent matter.

Signed, Dwight A. Williams, Sr.