Halpin v. Superior Court

Petitioners seek a writ of mandate to compel the respondent court to set reasonable attorneys’ fees for services rendered as court-appointed attorneys in accordance with 987a of the Penal Code. 1

Shasta County has no public defender. Pursuant to their appointment by the respondent court, petitioners did, in September 1965, appear on behalf of and defend one John Ray Hoehstedler who was charged with murder. Petitioners are experienced attorneys and prominent members of the Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Association. The trial by jury, which resulted in an acquittal of the defendant, required six…