Published on: Friday, November 22, 2024
An indigent criminal defendant has a right to a public defender for many aspects of the criminal process, but not necessarily for all aspects. For example, what about an appeal of a denial of the reduction of a sentence based on certain retroactive amendments to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines? Seventh Circuit Judge #1: Is this an advisory opinion? Judge #2: I think we can appoint one, I mean we've done it before. Judge #3: The text says no.
The case is United States v. Bonds, 24-1576 (7th Cir. Nov. 21, 2024).