I practiced in Canada. I also worked for what they once called the "deal king." What he did was push a plea deal when he knew the funds for the initial retainer wouldn't be replenished. I am not kidding.

Lawyers need to be paid. Don't get me wrong. I put a shit ton of education and work into doing what I did and I was fucking good at it. But again. access to justice. Legal aid is a joke. Public defenders are always either young and green or the D students that couldn't get into the big time. There might be a handful of actual people that care in there too, but far too few.

I did duty counsel for a year. My mentor at the corporate law firm I worked at thought it was important for me to have a well-rounded legal training. I continued as duty counsel until the firm cut me off.

The truth is, sadly, guilt or innocence doesn't matter. Whether you can pay the $25-30 thousand to take it all the way to trial is what matters.

I once defended a native kid. He was a bad little boy. He did a lot of shit, but he didn't do what they said. He was ready to plead out at 23 and spend the 10 years (using a vehicular assault and running from the cops in a car). He had $1500 as a retainer. I saw something in the boy. I saw it through and worked hundreds of hours. He didn't do what they said! The kid needed a break. We went to trial, an deal was offered, I knew the Crown was on it's heels. I refused. Well, I advised he refuse. The kid trusted me. Long story short, the kid walked because I had the time and luxury to be able to give him the time and attention he deserved. But that was one kid and one lawyer. When you're terrified, alone and broke, 5 beats 10. It just does. Access to justice needs a huge overhaul.