The Florida Indigent Defense Association

Thanks to the justice building blog, I am now aware of FIDA -- the Florida Indigent Defense Association. Take a look at their website at this link. Incidentally, WhoIs data says that the website was registered July 17, 2007. From their site:

Dear PCAC Colleagues,

As you are aware, Senate Bill 1088, which eliminates 85% of private court appointed cases, has passed. While this is a severe blow to our representation of the indigent, all is not lost.

In response to this serious threat to the rights of the indigent, we have formed a not-for-profit organization called the Florida Indigent Defense Association, Inc. (FIDA). The mission of FIDA is to fashion a new law, in conjunction with other well-established organizations, such as FACDL, that protects the rights of the indigent accused by providing competent legal representation.

FIDA has hired Barreto and Malloy, one of the top lobbyist firms in Florida. This firm raised millions of dollars for the governor and other members of the legislature during the last election cycle. It is their professional opinion that our organization needs to raise $350,000 for the political process. Our hopes are to re-establish the PCAC system by reaching this fundraising goal. We have already raised and have commitments in excess of $100,000 from Miami and Broward PCAC lawyers.

We are looking for attorneys in all regions of Florida to join as members as well as serve as board members and/or participate on the fund raising committee.

Our member lawyers have made personal commitments from $100.00 to $6,000 depending on the PCAC income they receive. There are approximately 2400 attorneys participating in the PCAC system. We are asking everyone to step up and participate, so that we can attain our goal. All help is appreciated regardless of the amount.

I'm not endorsing the effort. I'm just passing it on, and hope to learn more about FIDA.

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