Even if You're Found Not Guilty, Iowa Makes You Pay for the Full Cost of Your Public Defender w/Alex Kornya

Mar 5

“If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you at no cost.” Ask the average American, and they will tell you that Public Defenders are free…. Unless of course you live in most states where they charge you something for getting a Public Defender. If you live in Iowa, this means you could pay up to the entire cost of your representation even if you are found not guilty or the charges are dropped. Joining Hunter today is Alex Kornya from Iowa Legal Aid to discuss the history, legality, and future of the fines and fees trapping thousands of Iowans in perpetual debt.

Guests:

Alex Kornya, Litigation Director and General Counsel, Iowa Legal Aid

Resources:

Marshall Project Reporting

https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/02/12/miranda-rights-indigent-defense-iowa

Iowa Legal Aid

https://www.iowalegalaid.org/

Cases

Woodbury County v Anderson

https://casetext.com/case/woodbury-county-v-anderson

James v Strange

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/407/128/