Mentorship with public defender was a rewarding experience

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008

Mrs. Hodge is a graduate of Calvert High School and has obtained many achievements in her years following high school. After receiving her associate’s degree at Southeastern University, she then received her bachelor’s degree by attending the evening and weekend program at the University of Maryland.

With these profound achievements, and more, Mrs. Hodge found herself working as a public defender. A normal day at the office can be very stressful, but when asked how she handles herself, she says, ‘‘keep it professional.” While working with clients, Mrs. Hodge makes all attempts to be personable and friendly, but there is always a boundary between the client and the public defender. The client is treated as the boss, but if they are unethical, then the public defender can dictate their performance in the courtroom.

Mrs. Hodge finds herself overworked many days, due to the abundance of clients. Because she cannot pick and choose her clients, there are some cases that she prefers, and some that she doesn’t.

The key concept in defending Mrs. Hodge’s clients is to make sure that their constitutional rights are met, using the best legal defense. In trial, more cases are resolved in pleas than in guilty or non-guilty verdicts.

An advantage in Mrs. Hodge’s profession is that the judges come to know her personally, and treat her with the utmost respect. Wise words from Mrs. Hodge could not be interpreted better, when she says that in the field of public defending, ‘‘you’ve got to want to do it, or it won’t last.”

Aunye’ Boon, Prince Frederick