Does type of counsel matter? A Comparison of outcomes in cases involving retained- and assigned counsel

Existing research yields inconsistent results with regard to differences among type of counsel in criminal cases. Studies in the area generally compare the effectiveness of indigent versus retained counsel, and public defenders versus assigned counsel, and focus on broad categories of crime. The pre...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Authors: Burns, Ronald (Author) ; Diamond, Brie (Author) ; Bowen, Kendra N. 1983- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2024
In: Journal of crime and justice
Year: 2024, Volume: 47, Issue: 3, Pages: 376–389
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Description
Summary:Existing research yields inconsistent results with regard to differences among type of counsel in criminal cases. Studies in the area generally compare the effectiveness of indigent versus retained counsel, and public defenders versus assigned counsel, and focus on broad categories of crime. The present work expands this literature through comparing case outcomes between assigned and retained counsel in the processing of criminal trespassing cases. It also contributes through measuring type of counsel in relation to the imposition of charge enhancements, a variable largely absent from the research literature. Results suggest that type of counsel does impact case outcomes, as defendants with assigned counsel were more likely to have a charge enhancement, be sentenced to jail, and spend more time in jail. Focusing on less serious offenses provides a more reflective account of what often occurs in court given that most crimes are less serious in nature.
ISSN:2158-9119
DOI:10.1080/0735648X.2023.2273379