Collen Hudson, an associate at Sims and Sims law firm in Columbus, spoke to Columbus Rotary Club members Tuesday afternoon at the Lion Hills Center, sharing her experiences as a Lowndes County public defender and her impression of local crime.
Appointed by a circuit judge, Hudson has worked with the Lowndes County Public Defenders office for more than a year. She handles misdemeanor and felony offender cases in the county, working closely with the District Attorney’s office to agree on case outcomes for those she defends.
“They’re not always who you would think,” Hudson said of her clients. “Most of my clients are young people who have gotten into trouble and don’t have the means to pay for an attorney.”
Hudson said as a public defender, she considers all possible outcomes before sending a case to trial. Those outcomes may include the Pre-Trial Diversion Program, a plea offer, probation or house arrest.
While none of Hudson’s cases have reached trial in her short time with the office, she estimated about 20 percent of her co-workers’ cases do go to trial.
Following a Rotarian’s question about crime and its impact on society, Hudson said she has seen an increase in violent crime in Lowndes County and a consistent number of drug cases during her year as a public defenders.
“I would say there seems to be an increase in violent crime in the area,” Hudson said. “Drug wise, there are a lot of drug charges that come in, but they’re not as serious as you would imagine.”
After a mention of police relations, Hudson said most of her clients have not had issues with local police.
“[My clients] understand what’s coming, that the state has a job,” she said.
Hudson said the Public Defenders office, unlike the District Attorney’s office, lacks an official investigator.
“I wish our office had someone that would be able to help us out because it would be a tremendous advantage to our clients,” she said.
According to Hudson, the hardest part about her job is watching offenders get trapped in the criminal justice system, returning to her office for offense after offense.
“It really is disheartening to see those same people,” Hudson said. “There are some success stories. I just wish there were more.”
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