It is hard for a public defender to do his or her job when they cannot access necessary documents.
While not a problem in most areas of the state, a new law gets at the few trouble spots.
Upon request from a district or state public defender, or an attorney working for a public defense corporation, the court, prosecutors and law enforcement must provide copies of any documents in their possession at no charge, including police reports, photos, grand jury transcripts, audiotapes and videotapes. Effective Aug. 1, 2010, “audio or video files on CD Rom or DVD Rom disc” will be added to the list. The law, signed April 15 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, also specifies that the provider, upon request, shall include the software needed to open, view or play the electronic file.
Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center), who sponsors the law with Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul), said the Public Defense Board brought forth the legislation because they have had some issues in getting files in formats they can open.
HF2991/
SF2517*/CH239