(WJET/WFXP) – Over $100,000 in grant funding will go toward Erie residents who are unable to afford an attorney.
On Monday, June 10, State Representatives Pat Harkins (D-Erie) and Bob Merski (D-Erie) announced that $102,023 in funding was awarded to Erie to maintain and strengthen indigent defense funds.
According to the National Institute of Justice, indigent defense refers to government-funded representation for those who are unable to afford their own attorney while facing trial.
These new grants, awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s newly enabled Indigent Defense Advisory Committee aim to improve indigent defense services throughout Pennsylvania.
“In a monumental step forward, our commonwealth has affirmed its commitment to justice for all by awarding significant grant funding to bolster indigent defense,” said Rep. Harkins. “This investment gets us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of financial standing, has access to fair representation in our legal system.”
Grant funding will go towards recruiting and retaining staff, providing necessary training and addressing previously overlooked needs.
