Those darn Republicans

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee approved diverting $1 million a year from the Department of Justice to give raises to assistant district attorneys and assistant public defenders.

Republicans voted against the measure, saying it would funnel money to defense attorneys that otherwise would have gone toward fighting crime and protecting victims.

JSOnline.com

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right ... to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

And that darn Constitution, always getting in the way.