Assembly candidate Dawn Ortiz-Legg’s ads insult all defense lawyers

Since 1791, the Bill of Rights has guaranteed important rights to every person charged with a crime. Among them, the rights to a speedy and public trial, to an impartial jury, to be confronted by your accusers, and the right to have an attorney of your choice to represent you in your defense. These rights were given to us because, under the king, you could be thrown in jail without reason or evidence. The profession of defense lawyer is an honorable profession. Lawyers provide accused defendants with their constitutional right to an attorney and fair trial.

Dawn Ortiz-Legg’s television ad and printed flier sling mud and insult at every lawyer who has represented a criminal client. She insults the Constitution and Bill of Rights by equating defense lawyers with the crimes their clients are accused of.

I have worked with nearly all of our local defense lawyers. I am proud to say that they are professional, hardworking advocates who provide the best in legal representation to their clients by ensuring their rights are protected, interests are represented, and they obtain a fair trial. Providing the service of criminal defense is a noble profession. Ms. Ortiz-Legg owes an apology and retraction.

This story was originally published October 22, 2016 at 8:57 PM with the headline "Assembly candidate Dawn Ortiz-Legg’s ads insult all defense lawyers."