Pays Private Lawyers More for Court Cases
Virginia · SB848 · Introduced Oct 26, 2026
Why it matters
Lawyers who take court-appointed cases in these two cities could be paid more per hour and without fee caps. The state would have to fund the pilot, and it ends after two years unless extended.
What it does
- Sets a $150 hourly rate for private lawyers appointed to defend poor criminal defendants
- Removes fee caps for appointed lawyers if the court finds the amount reasonable and documented
- Requires lawyers to file detailed records of their time with the court
- Sets a report due December 1, 2028, and ends the pilot on June 30, 2029
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Senatenot yet
- Housenot yet
- Governornot yet
About this bill
Would set $150 an hour pay for private lawyers appointed to defend poor defendants in Newport News and Hampton for two years. Fee caps would not apply if courts approve the amounts.
Newport News & Hampton, Cities of; pilot prog. for compensation of private court-appointed counsel.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Some criminal defense groups would likely say low pay keeps good lawyers away from poor defendants. Higher, uncapped pay could bring more lawyers into these cases.
💬 The case against
Some budget groups would likely say uncapped fees could raise costs for the state and cities. They may also worry the pilot's pay rate is set too high.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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