HB324 Summary

• Amends Section 15-12-21 of the Alabama Code to allow the trial court or Director of Indigent Defense Services to waive the $4,000 maximum fee for appointed counsel in Class A felony cases for good cause shown.

• Requires courts that grant a waiver to enter a written order explaining the factors considered in determining the waiver was appropriate.

• Requires the Director to submit a written memo to the state Finance Director explaining the factors considered for any waiver granted by the director.

• Sets an absolute cap of $8,000 on attorney fees for Class A felony cases, even when the standard $4,000 maximum is waived.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.