Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses Case Over Unpaid Defense Lawyers Amid Shutdown

11/15/2025

Center

Judge Dismisses Case

U.S. District Judge John Mendez dismissed a California criminal case, finding unpaid defense lawyers since July violated the right to counsel.
The ruling links funding to the longest U.S. shutdown and marks the first dismissal linked to public-defense funding.
The ruling came just before President Donald Trump signed funding legislation to restore funding, and Georgia prosecutor Peter Skandalakis has taken over the stalled election-conspiracy case against Trump.

Left

Judge Weighs Dismissal

A judge is set to rule on motions to dismiss cases against former FBI Director James Comey and Letitia James.
Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. Attorney, violated appointment rules, rendering charges invalid.
Halligan's lack of prosecutorial experience and appointment circumstances raise constitutional concerns.
Judge Cameron Currie doubts the government's defense, especially about missing grand jury transcripts.
Critics view the indictments as retribution against political opponents of President Donald Trump.

1 of 2

Judge Dismisses Case

U.S. District Judge John Mendez dismissed a California criminal case, finding unpaid defense lawyers since July violated the right to counsel.
The ruling links funding to the longest U.S. shutdown and marks the first dismissal linked to public-defense funding.
The ruling came just before President Donald Trump signed funding legislation to restore funding, and Georgia prosecutor Peter Skandalakis has taken over the stalled election-conspiracy case against Trump.

1 / 2