Indigent Fees Under Review
The state is intensifying its reviews for fee claims from attorneys paid from an indigent defense fund.
The Administrative Office of the Courts said in a news release that the need for the fund has increased because of the economic downturn.
The fund has fallen short in recent years and the news release said auditing has been stepped up to conserve money.
Last fall, the office hired a compliance officer to check the validity of claims.
The fund also pays for appointed counsel for parents and children in child welfare cases.
