Bill > HB2223

This bill eliminates fees for legal representation for individuals who are determined to be indigent (unable to afford legal counsel) in Virginia. Specifically, the bill makes several key changes to existing law: it removes provisions that previously allowed courts to assess fees against indigent defendants for court-appointed legal representation, prevents the clerk from adding the cost of legal representation to a defendant's court costs, and explicitly states that no person found indigent shall have fees assessed against them for legal representation paid by the Commonwealth. The bill applies to various types of legal proceedings, including criminal cases, juvenile cases, and child dependency cases. It ensures that individuals who qualify as indigent based on federal poverty guidelines will not be financially burdened by the cost of their court-appointed legal representation, making the justice system more accessible to low-income individuals. This change aims to reduce financial barriers to legal representation and support the constitutional right to counsel for those who cannot afford an attorney.