I've witnessed firsthand how the criminal justice system can let down those who need it the most. After an arrest, defendants often find themselves in a situation where they are jailed and appointed a public defender. Months might pass without communication, and despite numerous attempts to reach their public defender, letters and calls remain unanswered. Many defendants find themselves in a position where they're unaware that their rights—to be present and to a speedy trial—have been waived without their knowledge or consent.

A personal story that stands out to me involves my own experiences and observations. After months of silence, the public defender finally visits to present a first plea offer, urging the client to accept it without truly hearing their side of the story. It's become dishearteningly common for defendants to be dismissed or cut off when trying to discuss their perspective or possible defenses.

This neglect can leave defendants feeling unseen and powerless, undermining the very foundation of justice. To address this, I propose a simple yet effective solution: Mandate that public defenders hold at least one face-to-face meeting with their clients every month. The first of these meetings should focus on informing the defendant about any rights they are waiving, including the right to be present and the right to a speedy trial.

Implementing monthly mandatory meetings would ensure that public defenders are truly representing their clients' interests. It would provide defendants with a better understanding of their rights and their case, thus restoring some level of trust and transparency in the system. Additionally, it would allow defendants the crucial opportunity to present their side of the story and collaborate with their defense team to build the most effective strategy possible.

The time has come for change. We must hold our criminal justice system accountable and ensure that public defenders are fully equipped and obligated to provide the representation every defendant deserves.

Stand with me in demanding mandatory monthly meetings to safeguard the rights of defendants. Sign this petition and help us bring justice back into the justice system.