Two groups have praised the 11th District Court of Appeals in Warren for its recent decision to overturn the contempt conviction of a defense attorney by Portage County Municipal Court Judge John Plough.
The Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association issued statements this week lauding the appellate court's decision in the case against Brian Jones.
On Aug. 16, 2007, Jones -- out of law school just four months -- was employed by the Portage County Public Defender's Office and was appointed to represent a defendant whose file Jones had just received one day prior. Jones was found to be in contempt of court by Plough after refusing to proceed as he felt he could not adequately represent the defendant.
Several lawyers, both locally and nationally, felt the finding by Plough was egregious and contrary to the fundamental principles of the criminal justice system. As a result, several groups offered assistance in fighting the charge.
"Poor people are entitled to lawyers who fulfill their professional obligations," said Richard Goemann, director of defender legal services for the NLADA. "Equal and fair access to our justice system is the cornerstone of our society. When judges deny the right to a fair trial, all people suffer."
Jones could not be reached for comment on the appellate decision.