State v. Post

We have granted “expedited appeal” status to this significant case. The issue is whether the State or a county has the burden of financing the indigent criminal defense system at the trial court level. The plurality and concurring opinions hold that the State is the governmental entity to bear the burden. While that result might be desirable, it does not comport with our law, and, accordingly, I dissent.

William Thomas Reager, an indigent, was charged with capital felony murder in the Circuit Court of Independence County. The Circuit Court appointed Jerry Post and Oscar Jones as counsel for…