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County attorney warns indigent-defense costs could rise if judges require in-person hearings
Summary
County officials said they currently pay $100 to local appointed attorneys for certain indigent-defense duties and that bar members have asked for an increase; officials warned that district judges’ possible shift to in-person preliminary hearings could raise contract costs and require rebidding of services.
County officials told commissioners that the county has paid appointed local attorneys roughly $100 per appointment for years and that members of the local bar are asking for increased compensation. The county attorney said Carbon County currently charges about $150 and suggested the commission consider matching neighboring counties during the next budget cycle.
The county attorney also warned that if district court judges require defense counsel to appear in person for preliminary hearings (rather than using Webex), that change would substantially increase travel and time requirements for appointed counsel. "If they require it to come in person, it will significantly increase the workload," the attorney said, and he cautioned the meeting that the current contractor has already signaled he might not continue under those conditions and the county could have to rebid the contract.
Commissioners asked staff to include indigent-defense pay on the upcoming budget agenda and to return with options for adjusting the fee schedule and for contingency planning if the contract must be rebid.
