How the Chief Public Defender of Louisiana is Retaliating Against Public Defenders who Oppose his Power Grab w/Jim Boren

May 23

Today, Hunter was joined by longtime Louisiana Criminal Defense Lawyer and President of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer, Jim Boren. Over the past year, Hunter has discussed the erosion of public defender independence since Remy Starns became the chief public defender of the state. Now, Remy Starns is slated to fire five chief public defenders from around the state who opposed some of the policies that consolidated power into his hands. Today’s episode is all about how this has happened and what the criminal defense bat should do in response.

Guest

Jim Boren, President, Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Resources:

Email Jim

jim@jamesboren.com

Coverage of the Firings

https://lailluminator.com/2025/05/09/louisiana-lawmakers-deny-state-public-defenders-power-grab-again/

https://lailluminator.com/2025/04/08/louisiana-bill-might-thwart-local-public-defenders-fighting-to-keep-their-jobs/

https://www.nola.com/news/courts/5-louisiana-chief-public-defenders-to-lose-their-jobs/article_09b183a6-011e-11f0-9b21-3746a0d291e9.html

https://www.richlandtoday.com/article/459,public-defenders-defend-themselves-against-firings

https://www.kalb.com/2025/03/20/louisiana-public-defenders-accuse-state-official-violating-their-free-speech/

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