Suffolk 18B.org
| Introduction |
| The Family Law Committee of the Suffolk County Psychological Association (SCPA) and Touro Law Center are providing consultations for attorneys, whose practice is in the area of family law, including matrimonial issues. Click here to find out more... |
Welcome to the Website of the Suffolk County Assigned Counsel Defender Plan. Both constitutional and statutory law require New York to provide counsel to certain individuals financially unable to obtain counsel. In Suffolk County, “mandated representation” is provided under the Suffolk County Assigned Counsel Defender Plan, which was devised by the Suffolk County Bar Association and the Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association pursuant to County Law Article 18-B. County Law Article 18-B authorizes Suffolk County to choose one or a combination of several options for providing representation to eligible clients, including public defender office; a private legal aid bureau or society or, in Family Court matters, any corporation or voluntary association or organization permitted to practice law under Judiciary Law § 495(7); or the assignment of private practitioners pursuant to an assigned counsel plan. County Law § 722. The objective of the Suffolk County Assigned Counsel Defender Plan is to ensure high quality legal services for every individual represented under the plan. The county is entitled to consider costs as a relevant factor in devising its representation plan, but it cannot ignore its constitutional, statutory and moral duty to provide quality counsel to those who cannot afford representation. The Plan's intent is to provide representation to indigent defendants and provide remuneration to counsel. The fee award provision is not intended to completely eliminate the pro bono aspect of a lawyer's role in representing indigent defendants, but to compensate the attorneys who accept such assignments at reasonable hourly rates. This website provides information regarding the 18B program, including our policies, requirements, samples and procedures for compensation, as well as links to other helpful websites. If you are interested in becoming a member of our 18B program, please download the application and return it to our office. Thank you to all of our participating panelists. David H. Besso Administrator |
| COMPENSATION RATE GUIDELINES FOR COURT-APPOINTED NON-LAWYER PROFESSIONALS Click here to read about the guidelines. |
| PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE ASSIGNED COUNSEL DEFENDER PLAN OF SUFFOLK COUNTY DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT, NOR COMPENSATE COUNSEL FOR PAROLE HEARINGS. |
| The Assigned Counsel Defender Plan in conjunction with District Court, Central Islip, is implementing a “Prisoner Part” calendar rotation. The Prisoner Part and judge rotates every week. Basically, it will work similar to the DV Calendar – with the exception that it will be an “on call” calendar. You will contact Halina on your assigned calendar date to find out which part to appear and when the prisoner will be brought up. Assignments from this part are misdemeanors only. If you would like to participate for these types of assignments, please e-mail me or fax (631) 666-8401. I would like to implement this calendar as soon as possible. Thank you. |
| ORDERS FOR EXPERTS AND APPROVING FEE OVER STATUTORY CAP Please be advised that Orders for Expert services and ones approving fees over statutory cap accompanying your vouchers MUST be the original signed by the judge and/or a certified copy. Same must also include the exact name and address of the expert being used. Any voucher accompanied by a “Generic” Order and/or copy will be returned. |
| To help expedite the processing of appeals vouchers, the Appellate Division has implemented changes in voucher policy, effective April 1, 2011. Visit the Appeals page to read the changes and access the new worksheet. |
| The Legislature passed a bill adding legal aid bureaus and societies and other private entities providing services under County Law 722 to the list of entities that cannot be charged for searching records of the DMV and for copies of DMV documents. THE LAW ALREADY EXEMPTS PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICES FROM PAYING THOSE FEES. |
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THE ASSIGNED COUNSEL DEFENDER
PLAN OF SUFFOLK COUNTY IS WORKING
WITH A FULL BUDGET THIS YEAR. PLEASE
SUBMIT YOUR VOUCHERS IN A TIMELY
MANNER.
PLAN OF SUFFOLK COUNTY IS WORKING
WITH A FULL BUDGET THIS YEAR. PLEASE
SUBMIT YOUR VOUCHERS IN A TIMELY
MANNER.
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| ANNOUNCEMENTS |