adayintheLifeofaPuBLicdefender
Government lawyers Section Chairs : ChristianKatchuk-13thJudicialCircuitCourt & LyndseySiara-13thJudicialCircuitCourt
It ’ s 6:30 a . m . and the coffee
is brewing as I jot down the phone messages of clients , concerned family members , and deposition witnesses from last night , before responding to emails from my incarcerated clients . It ’ s imperative to do this early , because I never know what the day will bring .
At 7:00 a . m ., I meet my client anxiously pacing in the lobby — today is his jury trial . We head down to the “ clothes closet ,” a wardrobe of trial attire for our indigent clients . We find the perfect outfit and head upstairs , one last time , to our mock courtroom . I bring clients here often to familiarize them with this process . From the witness stand he answers my friendly-posed questions , his direct examination dry run . My co-counsel however , won ’ t be so nice , playing the role of prosecutor with a pointed cross examination .
As 8:30 a . m . approaches , we ’ re off to the courthouse . I spend as much time here as I do at my office or the jail . While trials are exciting and gratifying for us , I know they are incredibly stressful for our clients , as their futures lie in the
hands of six or 12 strangers — and me .
We have an early docket , so the jury will not be selected until mid-morning . With seven cases calendared , four clients dressed in orange wave me over to the jury box , three others wait patiently in the gallery , and there are two witnesses present for a bond hearing . One client shares a list of defense witnesses , so I submit requests to have them interviewed by our investigators . Another has on-going substance abuse issues , and I ask our Social Services team to gather mitigation evidence and assess viable treatment options . Overall , three clients resolve their cases and the rest are set for trial .
It ’ s 10:48 a . m . and we are ready for trial when the prosecutor unexpectedly makes a new offer — time served . As tears well up , my client declares , “ but I ’ m innocent …” so we reject the offer and request a jury panel . Moments later , the case is nolle prossed ( dismissed ), and my speechless client is free to go . My afternoon has opened up .
Around 2:15 p . m ., I watch my colleagues in a homicide trial while drafting a motion to suppress and setting depositions . Multi-tasking
thehoursarelong , buttheworkis rewarding , andi standproudknowing imakeadifference .
is essential , and since our office is paperless , we bring our laptops everywhere . By 4:00 p . m ., I am back at the office , requesting discovery , returning phone calls , preparing tomorrow ’ s docket , and video conferencing with my clients in jail .
In 2019 , there were 46,660 arrests in Hillsborough County , and the Law Office of Julianne Holt was appointed on over 41,000 cases . With roughly 120 attorneys representing clients charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to capital homicides , every day brings something new . For those cases that are not trials , we strive to utilize diversion programs and specialty courts to ensure our clients are in the best position to succeed . The hours are long , but the work is rewarding , and I stand proud knowing I make a difference . n
Author : Anna A . Ismer - Office of the Public Defender for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
Government Attorneys Can join the HCBA for a Reduced Rate . Go to hillsbar . com to learn more !
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