Assessing Current Statewide Practices and Opportunities to Early Access to Counsel

• In Event: Data in Indigent Defense: Early Access to Counsel in Virginia: Perspectives from Practitioners and Impacted Communities

Abstract

The Early and Continuous Access to Counsel (ECAC) study examines the implementation and impacts of counsel at first appearance (CAFA) and quality of public defense representation in select general district courts in the state of Virginia. To further inform the implementation of new practices, the study conducted and will present results from a statewide survey designed to assess the characteristics of CAFA where it is practiced, common implementation challenges, and perceived barriers to CAFA implementation in jurisdictions where it is not practiced. The survey was distributed to representatives from local public defender’s office or from the appointed counsel list across all 133 counties and independent entities in the Commonwealth of Virginia and fielded over a three-week period in Spring 2025. Attendees of this presentation will gain insight into the current landscape of CAFA implementation in Virginia, key obstacles to expanding access, and considerations for strengthening public defense practices statewide.

Authors

• Venita Embry, RTI International

• Emily Burtch, RTI International

• Debbie Dawes, RTI International

• Bonnie Hoffman, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers