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COPYRIGHT 2005 The Dallas Morning News
Byline: Ed Housewright
Mar. 28--If you're poor, it's easier to get a free lawyer in Collin County than a free doctor.
County taxpayers shelled out $5.3 million last year to provide attorneys for indigent people accused of crimes, records show.
By comparison, the county spent less than $1 million on indigent health care.
Collin County officials say they're outraged at runaway legal defense costs, caused partly by a recent state law that makes it easier to get a free attorney. Other local counties have seen similar spikes.
This year, Collin County is on pace to spend $8.4 million on private lawyers for poor defendants, figures show.
"It's absolutely absurd," Commissioner Jerry Hoagland said. "We need a fundamental change in the way this is operating."
Next month, Collin County plans to start reviewing each defendant's application for a court-appointed attorney to make sure he or she meets income guidelines, officials say.
"Hopefully,...
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