Early Implementation and Outcomes of the Early Access to Counsel Pilot

• 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 is a randomized controlled trial of counsel at first appearance (CAFA) and quality and continuous public defense representation. This study has generated preliminary implementation findings of this intervention for public defense clients in one medium-sized jurisdiction in Virginia. The study examines and presents early learnings about ECAC implementation, defense clients’ perspectives of public representation, and initial impacts of key ECAC outcomes, including pretrial release, length of detention, bail amount, new pretrial criminal activity, failure to appear, disposition type, and sentencing details. Data for this study come from publicly available online court case database and represent case histories for individuals who were arrested and detained prior to arraignment. In addition, the study presents detail on case flow throughout the pilot implementation and bias assessments that may arise despite randomization. Attendees of this presentation will gain an understanding of the preliminary effects of ECAC on case outcomes, challenges in implementation, and considerations for scaling this intervention to other jurisdictions.

Authors

• Christopher Inkpen, RTI International

• Venita Embry, RTI International

• Debbie Dawes, RTI International