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May 8, 2025
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Overworked and Undervalued: Why I Walked Away From Being a Public Defender in Idaho


Overworked and Undervalued: Why I Walked Away From Being a Public Defender in Idaho

Why Idaho Public Defenders Are Walking Away: The Shocking Truth Behind the Exodus

BOISE, ID—Public defenders across Idaho are fleeing their jobs at an alarming rate, leaving courts scrambling and justice in jeopardy. Behind the mass resignations lies a perfect storm of crushing workloads, stagnant pay, and systemic neglect—forcing many to abandon careers they once loved.

The Breaking Point: Why Defenders Are Leaving

Former public defenders cite these key reasons for the crisis:

  • Unbearable Caseloads – Some attorneys juggle 300+ cases annually, far exceeding national ethical standards.
  • Poverty-Level Pay – Salaries lag behind prosecutors’ earnings by 30% or more, despite identical qualifications.
  • Burnout & Moral Injury – Many describe "watching clients suffer" due to lack of time and resources.
  • No Support System – Minimal investigators, paralegals, or mental health resources compound the strain.

The Ripple Effect: How This Hurts Idahoans

The fallout extends far beyond empty offices:

  1. Delayed Trials – Courts face logjams as fewer attorneys handle more cases.
  2. Eroded Trust – Overburdened defenders can’t provide adequate counsel, risking wrongful convictions.
  3. Rural Collapse – Small towns lose defenders entirely, leaving indigent clients without representation.

A System on the Brink

"I quit when I realized I’d become part of the problem," admits a former defender who spoke anonymously. "You can’t ethically serve 50 clients at once—no matter how hard you try."

Legal experts warn Idaho must act now to:

  • Cap caseloads at sustainable levels
  • Offer competitive salaries and loan forgiveness
  • Invest in support staff and training

What Do You Think?

  • Should public defenders earn equal pay to prosecutors?
  • Is the Sixth Amendment being violated by these staffing shortages?
  • Would you support higher taxes to fix this crisis?
  • Are some defenders exaggerating the problem to demand raises?
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Source Credit

Marcus Johnson
author

Marcus Johnson

An accomplished journalist with over a decade of experience in investigative reporting. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism, Marcus began his career in local news in Washington, D.C. His tenacity and skill have led him to uncover significant stories related to social justice, political corruption, & community affairs. Marcus’s reporting has earned him multiple accolades. Known for his deep commitment to ethical journalism, he often speaks at universities & seminars about the integrity in media

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