Krizman testifies for bill to outlaw privatizing domestic violence defense
Denver, CO – April 18, 2024 — Criminal Defense Attorney Casey Krizman testified before the Colorado House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 17, in support of HB24-1437. The bill addresses the growing concern over the privatization of public defense for indigent clients in municipal courts.
In his testimony, Krizman said there is a concerning trend among municipalities to pay private attorneys a flat rate to represent poor defendants. This creates an imbalance in the justice system, as the prosecution remains well-funded and staffed with in-house attorneys, while the defense of the poor is left to underfunded private attorneys.
Aurora is considering privatizing defense of poor defendants because its city-paid prosecutors lose many of their cases that go to trial. “Rather than increase the quality of prosecution, the Aurora City Council wants to decrease the quality of defense,” said Krizman, a former Aurora public defender whose firm represents many clients in Aurora Municipal Court.
Krizman supported the House Bill because it prohibits flat-rate contracts for defense of people accused of domestic violence. “These cases are complex and the stakes are high. An attorney who is paid a flat fee for such a case would be hard-pressed to provide a zealous defense,” he said. These serious cases are filed as misdemeanors or felonies in most Colorado jurisdictions, but Denver, Aurora, Broomfield, and Lakewood choose to prosecute some of them at the lower municipal level. Lakewood pays a private law firm a flat fee contract to represent all indigent clients. Denver and Aurora have in-house public defender’s offices for indigent clients, though Aurora is trying to replace that office with the lowest bidder.
The measure passed the House Judiciary Committee on an 8-2 vote and is now headed to the House floor.
Krizman noted that in county and district courts, the Colorado Chief Justice has ordered that private attorneys be paid an hourly rate when they are needed to represent defendants who are poor. The state’s Public Defender’s Office is badly understaffed and Krizman said he supports the current budget bill that includes much-needed increase in staffing in that office.
“When politicians start getting ‘tough on crime,’ their default is to make it easier to haul people into courts and jails. That is not only unjust, it’s more expensive in the long run,” Krizman said.
Krizman Law is known for its relentless pursuit of justice for clients. That means thoughtfully listening to the client's story, diligently investigating the circumstances and the law, and aggressively advocating for the client in front of prosecutors, judges, and juries. If you're looking for a lawyer to fight on your behalf, consider these other Krizman Law success stories or call us at 720-819-7317.
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Mr. Krizman is a criminal defense attorney in Denver, Colorado. He specializes in providing relentless defense for domestic violence, DUI, and drug crimes. He is a former public defender who has also worked for a district attorney and is licensed in the State of Colorado, and the United States Federal Court, District of Colorado. Mr. Krizman is a member of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, and Arapahoe County Bar Association. A Colorado native, he has a law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in Government and World Affairs from the University of Tampa. Call him today at 720.819.7317.