Nonpayment Under Federal Shutdown Threatens Ray Martinez’s Right to Fair Trial, Attorneys Warn
The federal government’s shutdown has entered its third week, with Republicans pushing for a clean continuing resolution to maintain current spending levels and Democrats demanding that any deal include funding for expanded Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The ramifications of the shutdown are far-reaching, even impacting the ability of public defenders to adequately represent their clients.
Ahead of a status hearing on Tuesday, attorneys representing former V.I. Police Department Commissioner Ray Martinez told the court that they could not afford to book accommodation on St. Thomas in December, when the trial is scheduled to begin.
Author's summary: Shutdown affects trial fairness.