Kevin Henry was appointed as a member of the Federal Criminal Justice Act Defender Services panel for the District of Vermont. As a panel member, Henry is appointed by the Court to represent defendants in criminal cases who are unable to afford counsel. Enacted in 1964, the CJA establishes a comprehensive system for appointing and compensating legal representation for accused persons who are financially unable to retain counsel in federal criminal proceedings.
The mission of the Defender Services program is to ensure that the right to counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A) (CJA), and other congressional mandates is enforced on behalf of those who cannot afford to retain counsel and other necessary defense services. By fulfilling its mission, the Defender Services program helps to:
· maintain public confidence in the nation's commitment to equal justice under law; and
· ensure the successful operation of the constitutionally based adversary system of justice by which both federal criminal laws and federally guaranteed rights are enforced.
The Defender Services program has four goals:
· Goal 1: Provide timely assigned counsel services to all eligible persons.
· Goal 2: Provide appointed counsel services that are consistent with the best practices of the legal profession.
· Goal 3: Provide cost-effective services.
· Goal 4: Protect the independence of the defense function performed by assigned counsel so that the rights of individual defendants are safeguarded and enforced.
Primmer has offices in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Washington, DC. It is a full service law firm employing experienced legal professionals who deliver legal guidance and solution based representation to its clients.