The Gold Standard vs. The Gig Economy
In the District of Columbia, indigent defendants—those who cannot afford a lawyer—are represented by one of two groups: the Public Defender Service (PDS) or private attorneys appointed under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA). While both are funded by the government, the disparity in resources, training, and caseloads creates a separate and unequal system of justice.
PDS: The Gold Standard
PDS attorneys have capped caseloads, in-house investigators, social workers, and forensic experts. They provide holistic defense that rivals top private firms.
CJA: The Crisis
CJA panel attorneys are paid by the hour ($110) and often manage "exploding" caseloads of up to 25 cases a day just to make a living. They lack institutional support.
PDS vs. CJA: A Stark Contrast
| Feature | Public Defender Service (PDS) | CJA Panel Attorneys |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Federally funded, robust budget | Hourly rate ($110/hr), often capped |
| Caseloads | Strictly capped to ensure quality | Often "exploding," up to 25 cases/day |
| Support Staff | In-house investigators, social workers, experts | Must petition court for every expert/investigator |
| Training | Nationally renowned, intensive | Variable, mandatory basics but less oversight |
| Case Types | Most serious felonies (approx. 8% of cases) | General felonies & misdemeanors (approx. 80% of cases) |