Tennessee's Supreme Court is suggesting changes to help poor people get proper legal representation. A court news release recommends a bump from a $40 or $50 hourly pay rate for appointed lawyers to a $65 hourly rate. It would be the first increase in two decades.
The court also seeks a $500 boost to today's $1,500 lawyer pay cap for public defenders. In addition, the court suggests making provisions to ensure public defenders are used instead of private attorneys.
A new state commission would oversee cases for individuals who can’t afford a lawyer for defense in a criminal case. The court says it will bill periodically, instead of after cases, to ensure lawyers are paid more quickly. Many of the suggestions require legislative approval.