Bill > HB655

This bill amends Mississippi Code Section 99-15-17 to increase the compensation for court-appointed attorneys representing indigent defendants. Specifically, the bill raises the maximum compensation for representation in circuit court from $1,000 to $3,000, increases the maximum compensation for capital cases from $2,000 to $6,000 (when two attorneys are appointed), and raises the maximum fee for appeals to the state supreme court from $1,000 to $3,000. For cases not in a court of record, the maximum compensation remains at $200. The bill maintains the existing requirement that attorneys provide an itemized statement of time spent and expenses, which must be approved by a judge and paid by the county treasurer from the general fund. The changes aim to provide more adequate compensation for public defenders representing indigent clients, potentially improving the quality of legal representation for those who cannot afford private attorneys. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0655.xml