Indiana public defenders face possible conflicts

Indianapolis - Legal experts say some Indiana public defenders could be facing ethics violations for not telling clients they also face criminal charges from the same prosecutor.

A review by The Indianapolis Star found at least three Marion County public defenders who have continued to defend clients while themselves facing criminal charges in Marion County. Two of the lawyers were facing drunken driving charges, while the third was charged with battery.

Mark Batey says he pleaded guilty to a battery charge without knowing his lawyer was facing the same charge. Batey says if he had know, he would have asked for a different attorney.

Some law professors say clients have a right to know when their lawyers' personal interests could conflict with those whom they are representing in court.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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