HB243 Alabama 2017 Session

Under existing law, the maximum fee that counsel appointed to represent an indigent defendant may collect is based on the degree of severity of the original charge or the type of case to which the counsel is appointed. Under existing law, where the original charge is a Class A felony, appointed counsel may collect a maximum of $4,000 for legal services

This bill would authorize the court or the Director of Indigent Defense Services to waive the $4,000 maximum in certain cases. This bill would require a court waiving the limit to enter an order specifying the reasons for the waiver. This bill would also require the director to submit a memo to the state Finance Director explaining the reasons for any waiver granted by the director

To amend Section 15-12-21 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to indigent defense services; to authorize the court or the Director of Indigent Defense Services to waive the maximum fee in certain cases; and to specify the procedure for documenting the waiver.