Public defender’s office wants to add DNA testing position

From the blog : "Public Defender Stuff

Public defender’s office wants to add DNA testing position

by Gideon

From the Dallas Morning News:

The Dallas County public defender’s office is seeking funding to add a position dedicated to reviewing and applying for post-conviction DNA testing.

That attorney would serve as the counterpart to the recently created position in the district attorney’s office to oversee DNA evidence and conviction integrity. Michael Ware was appointed to the position last month after District Attorney Craig Watkins scrapped with county commissioners before they funded the position.

The public defender position must be approved by county commissioners. It is not yet on their agenda for discussion.

Ryan Brown, the county budget director, said a review of the caseload in the public defender’s office shows the position may be necessary as more convicts request DNA testing. Having an attorney in the district attorney’s office focused on DNA will likely increase the caseload. The new slot may be requested within the next six months.

The Wretched of the Earth had a post about the need for DNA testing recently.