Syracuse residents charged with minor crimes will have better access to a lawyer in the coming months. The non-profit Hiscock Legal Aid Society has a new contract to expand representation for people who can’t afford legal help.
Executive Director Gregory Dewan said they plan to hire 11 attorneys and a half dozen support staff starting this spring.
“This is just adding capacity to the criminal defense system in Onondaga County," he said.
They’re creating a Misdemeanor Defense Program, which Dewan said allows other lawyers in the justice system to focus on felonies and more serious cases.
“By taking Syracuse City Court and the misdemeanors and violations and providing them to an institutional provider, that frees up some time and capacity," he said. "So that's more time per case for other cases in other areas of the county. It really just strengthens the system overall.”
Dewan said his agency will handle crimes like petty larceny and some traffic violations, but also cases in the city’s problem-solving courts.
“People who are facing minor crimes who might have mental health issues or substance abuse issues, [this will] help them receive both treatment and deal with their criminal charges with the hopes of addressing the underlying issues instead of just the criminal element," he said. "You want a more holistic approach that hopefully keeps people from these situations in the future.”
Dewan acknowledged their challenge is hiring attorneys. He said applicants are likely drawn to the mission of public interest law and regular hours over bigger paychecks.
“We try to ensure access to justice for all, regardless of income, regardless of status, where they're from," he said. "We just want to help anybody who needs help, who qualifies for our services. So people who care about that are the people who do the best work here, who are happiest here."
When fully staffed, the 117 people, including 76 attorneys, can better represent those who can’t afford an attorney, while also helping the court system. Dewan hopes to have the program at full strength by next fall.
