Bar advocates who represent indigent defendants in Massachusetts courts say their work stoppage will continue until they receive raises.
Around 40 bar advocates gathered on the steps of the State House yesterday, declaring the raises proposed this week by the legislature as insulting.
The public defenders say the offer they describe as "ridiculous" will only strengthen their resolve.
The state has already been forced to drop charges against over 100 criminal defendants because of a lack of bar advocates to represent them.
The State Senate approved a 20 dollar an hour increases over a two year period. But the lawyers say that is still not enough.
(Photo by VERONICA G. CARDENAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: VERONICA G. CARDENAS / AFP / Getty Images