Opinion No.

The Honorable Allen Gordon State Senator P.O. Box 558 Morrilton, Arkansas 72110

Dear Senator Gordon:

This is in response to your request for an opinion on two questions regarding the awarding of indigent defense fees. Specifically, you note that the prospects of a special session appear unlikely, and several counties have questions related to the awarding of indigent defense fees to attorneys. Specifically, your two questions are as follows:

1. Whether an order of a circuit court awarding indigent attorneys' fees takes precedence over general obligations of the county (without regard to any…