News & Stories Law & Courts Public defenders in Massachusetts and other states demand a pay raise Deborah Becker August 05, 2025 / 1:07 am Dozens of criminal cases are being dismissed in Massachusetts and other states as public defenders refuse to take on new cases until they get a pay raise. Why you can trust KUOW Recommended Stories Coming soon: Lawsuit challenging Washington state's 'millionaires tax' March 30, 2026 City says $30.5 million Seattle CHOP verdict ‘excessive,’ asks for new trial March 26, 2026 First grants awarded under Washington’s new $100M police hiring program March 10, 2026