Leo Gillick
Due to a discussion over pay, lawyers are on strike, causing hundreds of criminal cases to be dismissed in Boston.
Videos by Rare
What’s the Problem: Lawyers aren’t getting paid enough to give their state-sponsored representation to criminals in Boston courts. Because of this, they are refusing to work, leaving criminals without representation.
- Without representation, criminal cases can’t go to court because that’s an unfair trial. A criminal held without counsel for seven days must be released. If they are left for 45 days, the case is dismissed. However, the prosecution can reopen it.
As a result, there have been 206 cases dismissed in Boston’s municipal courts and Chelsea District Court. Furthermore, Middlesex County saw 369 cases dismissed as of Aug. 25. It’s a field day for criminals in Boston right now. And, until the lawyers start getting paid, it’ll continue that way.
What The Lawyers Want To Work on Criminal Cases
It’s no easy road to becoming a lawyer. Years of study are followed by years of practice. Laws constantly change and evolve, meaning that lawyers endlessly have to research and adapt. This is why they cost so much.
Not Offered Enough: But they feel that they’re not being given their due rewards in Boston. Gov. Maura Healey recently approved a pay rise. It offered $10 per hour now, and then a further $10 raise next August. However, this is far from what the lawyers are asking for.
- To work on the Boston criminal cases, they are asking for a raise of $35 per hour. Until that demand is met, the number of criminals getting off scot-free will almost match the White House.
To make matters worse, the recent amendments threatened lawyers in the area. Along with the slight pay rise came an amendment to anti-trust language. This would open lawyers up to prosecution if they ever brought up pay dissatisfaction again.
- Obviously, they weren’t happy about that.
So, until they get their pay rise and are given the right to talk about being underpaid again, the criminal cases of Boston will continue being dismissed. If you’re looking to get into a bit fo crime, Boston could be a good place to practice.
