Judges question decision not to provide attorneys in misdemeanors

GILLETTE — Circuit Court Judges in Wyoming are not supportive of the state Public Defenders Office’s decision to not represent people who have only been charged with misdemeanors.

It’s been a month since State Public Defender Diane Lozano informed Circuit Court judges in Campbell and Natrona counties of her decision, citing staffing shortages.

Circuit Judge Brian Christensen, president of the Wyoming Circuit Court Conference of Judges, wrote that he and the other judges are “very alarmed and distressed” that Lozano would go this route.

“We are amazed that the State Public Defend...