Saturday, April 08, 2000
Denied phone call, county inmate sues
Man unable to reach public defender
BY DAN HORN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Jeff Lynch claims his civil rights were violated because he couldn't make a phone call from jail.
Mr. Lynch filed a federal lawsuit Friday arguing that he was unable to speak to his lawyer because of phone policies at Hamilton County's jails and the public defender's office.
The jails allow inmates to make only collect calls. The public defender does not accept collect calls.
The result, Mr. Lynch claims, is a system that deprives inmates of their right to fair representation in court.
“It's a double whammy,” said his attorney, Robert Newman. “The problem is that somebody has got to allow communication between clients and attorneys.”
He said Mr. Lynch was charged with violating his probation on a drug offense in January and was sent to the county's Queensgate Correctional Fa cility.
While awaiting his court date, Mr. Newman said, Mr. Lynch repeatedly tried to call a public defender.
He said his client did not find out who would represent him until a few minutes before his court hearing.
After explaining his situation to the judge, Mr. Lynch was freed from jail and returned to probation.
His lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, names Sheriff Simon L. Leis and the Public Defender Commission as defendants. Neither the sheriff nor Public Defender Louis Strigari could be reached for comment Friday.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. It also seeks certification as a class action lawsuit that would represent any other inmates affected by the phone policies.
“Several other people have complained about this policy,” Mr. Newman said.
Holiday tradition goes on auction block
Winter returns for a day
Teachers must have lots of heart
City's policy on OT questioned
Consultant owed city back taxes
Council barred from meeting in secret
Bengals' ticket guarantee fought
Mooney will head state teachers union
Murder suspect ends standoff
Quints' sleep-deprived parents still smiling
Sculptures in sand made at aquarium
New warning sirens cover most of Kenton County
No tolerance for zero tolerance
Peace Bell soon to be rung daily
Inmate's aunt held in scheme
Student council money missing
UC-Ohio State cooperation stressed at board meeting
GET TO IT
Passionate conductor inspires CSO players
Reserve time for Cincinnati Flower Show lectures, teas
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Another sad chapter in Hamilton
Community march scheduled for Easter
Denied phone call, county inmate sues
FBI to check killers' history
Governor's home in need of repairs
Mallory wants charter school data released
Monroe board to be decided
Parents rally fight over board
Police to look into blank tape
Purple Heart chapter started
TRISTATE DIGEST
