Ga.’s system to defend the poor still struggling 5 years after costly courthouse killings case

Ga.’s system to defend the poor still reeling

ATLANTA — Georgia’s public defender system is still trying to recover its financial footing after a courthouse gunman racked up a $3 million defense tab on the way to his conviction.

Brian Nichols went on his rampage five years ago. Prosecutors said Nichols’ defense should have cost about $500,000, but expenses ballooned with expert witnesses and attorneys fees.

The state’s ailing system to defend the poor has struggled almost since its start in 2005. It’s also been hamstrung because of lukewarm support from legislators and a dismal economy.

The state now can’t afford to pay for the accused in several capital punishment cases, leaving them waiting in jail for years before their trials start. Some of the accused have appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court for help.