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 where the original charge was a Class A felony. 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.
Judiciary first Substitute Offered
Pending third reading on day 26 Favorable from Judiciary
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Judiciary
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call 846
Whatley motion to Table adopted Voice Vote
Judiciary Substitute Offered
Third Reading Passed
Whatley motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted Voice Vote
Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute and
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Judiciary
Source: Alabama Legislature