Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton recently discussed mass incarceration, drugs, race and their intersection with the criminal justice system for the local New Orleans program, Health Issues hosted by Chris Sylvain.
"Once you get to the courthouse door, there's your shot at equal justice. But here in Orleans Parish you've got a $135 million police force, a $16 million DA office, an $80 million sheriff's office and about a $6 million court system... all designed to prosecute and jail you. If you're too poor to afford an attorney, there's just about $6 million designed to defend you, to make sure if you're innocent you don't go to jail and the system respects the rights and due process if they are going to prosecute you." -- Chief Defender Derwyn Bunton.
