Opinion

State shouldn't pay $1M for Dugan defense

Posted November 28, 2009 10:00 pm

I read with interest your recent article on how Brian Dugan's legal expenses were going to be paid by the taxpayers of Illinois to the tune of up to $1 million.

I have no disagreement with the concept that indigent individuals who have no money and are charged with a crime should have a right to an attorney. But receiving $1 million for his defense is ridiculous, especially with Illinois being in such financial shape.

In essence, he is getting the best lawyers that money can buy, lawyers that I, a middle-class individual who actually pays taxes to the state of Illinois, could not afford to have if I committed a crime.

Something is really wrong here. Let that cap be $100,000 and have him get services pro bono if he needs more than that.

I hope the individual who was wrongly accused of this crime, Rolando Cruz, gets at least as much money from the state of Illinois as Dugan did for his legal defense.

Gary Koca

Pingree Grove

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.