We spend long hours in bill hearings.

The purpose is to enact sound public policy.

Every person is presumed to know the law.  That’s a centuries old legal maxim.

In reality, however, that’s not the case.  That’s why people hire lawyers.

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you’re at a lopsided disadvantage.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees your right to a lawyer in a criminal case.

But a civil case can also have a profound effect on your life and well being.

That’s how I began my testimony on House Bill 866, which would create a pilot program providing lawyers in protective order cases dealing with domestic violence in two counties.  .

It would be money well spent.