What is the true impact of fines and fees?

 

In this episode, I speak with two inspiring individuals—Adam Danneman, the Chief Public Defender of Jefferson County, Alabama, and Leah Nelson, the Research Director of Alabama Appleseed. They bring with them two unique perspectives and a boatload of passion for public defense.

 

Alabama does not have a universal indigent defense system and there is no obligation for any county in the state to operate a specific type of public defender system. Together, Adam and Leah talk about the specific challenges that this setup creates and how they work within this system.

 

Overall, Adam and Leah give advice to people who don’t live in the south on how to move past their preconceived notions. After this episode, you’ll look at southerners in an entirely new way!

 

Key Topics and Takeaways:

• Adam and Leah introduce themselves and explain their role in public defense. [9:02]
• An overview of the structure of Alabama’s indigent defense system. [14:37]
• Witnesses and investigators. [20:15]
• Why there is a lack of treatment in prisons. [29:59]
• The top issues impacting public defense representation in Alabama. [32:45]
• Why a speedy trial isn’t a guaranteed right under the Constitution. [35:52]
• Issues with fines and fees in Alabama public defense. [38:38]
• Alabama’s indigency determination standard. [57:50]

 

Guests:

Adam Danneman, Chief Public Defender, Jefferson County, Alabama,

Leah Nelson, Research Director, Alabama Appleseed

 

Resources:

Alabama Appleseed Report 

New York Times Article

Jefferson County Public Defender

1901 by Shake the Field with Felt Five Thompson is an impactful song about Alabama's white supremacist 1901 constitution. One of the rappers, Evan Milligan, is also the plaintiff in Milligan v Merrill, a case challenging Alabama's decision to pack Black voters into a single congressional district. This case will be argued at the U.S. Supreme Court on October 4th, 2022.

Memorable Quotes:

 

“Do not leave behind the south, do not leave behind Alabama because you think it is not worth helping.” (7:15, Hunter)

 

“Making sure that people have qualified counsel is a high priority for me and for Apple Seed, but it's not a high priority for our legislature.” (16:30, Leah)

 

“One fair negative stereotype about public defenders, not just in Alabama, but everywhere, is that we're overworked.” (33:08, Adam)

 

“Pretty much every crime in Alabama comes with some financial penalty on top of maybe jail or prison time.” (39:11, Leah)

 

“We really undermine public safety and we undermine the independent judiciary and independent prosecution system when we force prosecutors and the courts to generate revenue for the state.” (53:46, Leah)

 

“We spend more money in Alabama, probably everywhere to collect this debt than it actually brings in if we recovered all.” (1:05:10, Adam)

 

Contact Hunter Parnell:[email protected]

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