Letter to the Social Security Commissioner Regarding Proposed Regulations Governing Nonpayment of Benefits to Fugitive Felons and Probation or Parole Violators, Michael Judge, Chief Public Defender of Los Angeles County

In his letter, Judge, whose office represents thousands of clients who recieve Social Security or Supplemental Security Income and are charged with committing criminal offenses, draws on his experience to express concerns about proposed regulations implementing the fugitive felon program, which withholds benefits from those believed to be fleeing prosecution. Specifically, Judge discusses the significant obstacles his office faces in resolving fugitive felon cases, and how the proposed 90-day deadline to show good cause would severely constain their ability to represent their clients.