Pretrial Experiences of Impacted Communities: The Need for Early and Continuous Access to Counsel

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

Abstract

Access to legal counsel from the earliest stages of criminal proceedings is a cornerstone of due process, yet many individuals navigate the justice system without adequate representation. This panel presents findings from qualitative research conducted during the spring and summer of 2024, where community listening sessions were held in four sites across Virginia. These sessions captured the voices of defense clients and their families, illuminating the profound impact of delayed or absent legal representation on individuals and within communities. Participants shared firsthand accounts of navigating the system without counsel, exposing the vulnerabilities and disadvantages they faced. Their testimonies highlighted critical needs, including legal guidance, procedural clarity, advocacy to counteract systemic biases, and the resources to address the collateral consequences they and their families experienced. This presentation emphasizes the necessity of early and continuous legal representation in reducing disparities. Attendees will gain insight into the experiences of those affected in Virginia.

Authors

• Tamara Lewis, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

• Bonnie Hoffman, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers