The Hampton city jail was essentially shut down for repairs in 2022, with inmates being shipped out to other jurisdictions around the state. This creates problems in getting defendants to court hearings, hikes expenses for lawyers and puts families in a tough spot.
For decades, localities have pumped money into prosecutors' offices, allowing commonwealth’s attorneys to get higher salaries, more attorneys and paralegals. But officials haven’t done the same for public defenders, leading to widening pay gaps between the two sides of the courtroom.