State v. Howard

In this direct appeal we review the trial court’s denial of Appellant James A. Brown, Jr.’s request for an award of attorney’s fees in excess of the $8,500 statutory limit in S.C.Code Ann. section 17-3-50 (2003). We find no abuse of discretion under the unique facts and circumstances presented and affirm.

During the pendency of the appeal, the Court accepted an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the South Carolina Bar concerning the potential constitutional implications arising from the court appointment of attorneys to represent indigent clients. We elect to address this matter of significant…