Heather Cessna, executive director of the Kansas Board of Indigent Services, is dedicated to positively transforming public defense in her state. Since she’s come on board, the quality of services has drastically increased as well as the working conditions for public defenders. 

 

In this episode, you’ll learn the structure of the Kansas Indigent Defense System, its current problems, and recent wins within the state. Heather has successfully reformed much of the system, and she’ll walk you through her methods and tactics.

 

This episode proves the difference it makes when an indigent defense system has strong leaders. In her time as executive director, Heather has quickly moved the system in the right direction.

 

There might still be a long way to go, but Heather brings to this episode a breath of fresh air and a sense of much-needed optimism.

 

Key Topics and Takeaways:

 

• Heather’s background in public defense. [5:25]
• The structure of the Kansas Indigent Defense System. [10:56]
• Problems Heather has tackled under her leadership. [17:00]
• Heather’s advocacy methods. [23:21]
• What was learned from the surveys. [38:35]
• Recent wins. [48:36]
• Heather’s secret to her success. [58:37]
• Where Heather wants to see Kansas indigent defense go in the future. [1:01:30]

 

Guest:

 

Heather Cessna, Executive Director, Kansas Board of Indigent Defense Services

 

Resources:

 

Kansas Board of Indigent Defense Services  

Kansas Well Being Committee Work 

 

Memorable Quotes:

 

“When we understand the failings and successes of other states, we can leverage that in our own.” (3:44, Hunter)

 

“If you can't refuse cases, you should be able to.” (28:54, Hunter)

 

“We have a lack of attorneys problem in Kansas generally. We do not have enough counsel in some of our counties to handle the volume of cases that we have.” (34:06, Heather)

 

“It does us absolutely no good to pretend like we don't have problems.” (40:05, Heather)

 

“I often tell people if you think the adult level representation or system is struggling, I promise you the juvenile one is probably doing worse.” (1:04:55, Hunter)

 

Contact Hunter Parnell:

[email protected]

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www.publicdefenseless.com