State v. Lehirondelle

Two court appointed lawyers appeal from an alleged inadequate award of attorney fees for an indigent criminal defense. This award was based on a fee schedule. We reverse the award, and remand for action consistent with this opinion.

This appeal arises as a consequence of the progressive burden placed upon taxpayers and lawyers by the expansion of indigent rights and a continuing increase in crime. According to the attorneys, Mr. Blinn and Mr. Hamilton, this burden is particularly acute in the rural counties of our state where there are fewer taxpayers to bear the consequent expense, and fewer…