Bill Sets Fee Limits for Attorneys Who Represent the Poor

The House on Monday approved a bill that sets a $50 hourly compensation rate for attorneys representing poor clients in most federal criminal cases.

The bill, passed by voice vote and sent to the Senate, would permit a $75 hourly maximum in special circumstances. The measure also would set maximum per-case payments of $5,000 for felonies, $1,500 for misdemeanors and $3,000 for appeals.

Currently, lawyers representing the poor receive $40 for out-of-court work and $60 for in-court work. The maximums per case currently are $2,000 for a felony, $800 for a misdemeanor and $2,000 for an appeal. The new legislation makes no distinction between in-court and out-of-court work.