Notice to new members intending to register - from January 9th 2012

**sidewalker** · #1 07-21-2010, 08:47 PM

Im hearing in my county, they want people who would qualify for a public defender to pay 23-50 dollars to speak with one.
Is that true?

JerseySeagull · #2 07-21-2010, 09:06 PM

From what I've researched here in Jersey, it's the same thing (in addition to $10 a day room and board at county and doubling the cost of calls!!!!!)

Gryphon · #3 07-21-2010, 10:43 PM

The judge can impose a "nominal" charge to reimburse the county for legal costs. Typical charges seem to be $100 for a misdemeanor and $200 for a felony; and a trial can be a large number. However, a defendant can always request a hearing regarding the ability to pay the amount.
The amount can be spread out over the entire probation grant and made part of the the other fines and payments.

The cost of jail is a different matter, and the county has some hoops to jump through before they can enforce those orders. I've never litigated teh issue, but I know there's some law on topic. As I recall the county Board of Supervisors have to make findings regarding the actual cost of incarceration (which isn't that easy to calculate.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidewalker

Im hearing in my county, they want people who would qualify for a public defender to pay 23-50 dollars to speak with one.
Is that true?

**sidewalker** · #4 07-22-2010, 05:40 AM

(oops I just saw I typo'ed, meant 25 not 23)
I was just curious about this.
thanks!