Story perspectives

Government Shutdown Halts Pay for CJA Attorneys, Threatens Justice

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The government shutdown has left Criminal Justice Act (CJA) attorneys unpaid for four months.
A Central District defense lawyer filed a motion to dismiss an indictment, arguing funding lapse violates the Sixth Amendment.
Judges are urged to intervene to ensure continued representation for indigent defendants.
Rebecca Duren, a criminal law specialist, has secured exoneration compensation for a wrongfully convicted client, underscoring defense work amid the funding crisis.

History

Historical Context

The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) of 1984 aimed to provide legal representation for indigent defendants, with over 80% relying on CJA attorneys today. However, a funding lapse has left these attorneys unpaid for four months, raising legal challenges under the Sixth Amendment. This situation underscores the ongoing struggle for adequate legal funding and the protection of defendants' rights within the U.S. justice system.

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Story summary

The government shutdown has left Criminal Justice Act (CJA) attorneys unpaid for four months.
A Central District defense lawyer filed a motion to dismiss an indictment, arguing funding lapse violates the Sixth Amendment.
Judges are urged to intervene to ensure continued representation for indigent defendants.
Rebecca Duren, a criminal law specialist, has secured exoneration compensation for a wrongfully convicted client, underscoring defense work amid the funding crisis.

1 / 2