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SALT LAKE CITY -- The American Civil Liberties Union says Weber County is violating the rights of a man charged with murder in order to save money.
Weber County has been trying to replace the attorneys currently representing Jacob D. Ethridge because they are no longer among the lawyers under contract with the city.
However, the ACLU tells the Salt Lake Tribune the city cannot do that unless a reason other than cost reduction is given.
Weber County closed its public defenders office earlier this year. The ACLU claims closing that office saved the city around $100,000.
Ethridge could face the death penalty if he is found guilty of the July 2008 slayings of Teresa Tingey and Rosaanna Maria Cruz.
