[rhombus]

But the reality is that at least where I live the public defender office gets most of the marijuana cases, big and small. We get about nine out of ten of the big marijuana mule cases and probably close to that percentage of the smaller pot cases. The taxpayors are footing the bill for this.

Are there no fines assessed?

[TKDietz]

"Are there no fines assessed?"

Fines are rare in the drug mule and delivery cases because usually these guys are going to prison and most don't have any money anyway. Otherwise they'd hire private attorneys. In standard possession cases fines are usually assessed, but these funds if collected are squandered by the counties or cities who impose them. Public defenders in my state are paid by the state, not by counties or cities.