New Jersey A766 repeals the law allowing municipalities to charge a fee for representation by a municipal public defender.

New Jersey A766 removes the authority of municipalities to charge an application fee for representation by a municipal public defender. The bill repeals section 17 of P.L.1997, c.256, which previously allowed municipalities to impose a fee of up to $200 on applicants for public defender services. Courts could waive the fee if it was deemed an unreasonable burden. The intent of the bill is to eliminate any barriers, including fees, to the Sixth Amendment right to counsel for individuals accused of crimes.

New Jersey A766 repeals the law allowing municipalities to charge a fee for representation by a municipal public defender.

New Jersey A766 removes the authority of municipalities to charge an application fee for representation by a municipal public defender. The bill repeals section 17 of P.L.1997, c.256, which previously allowed municipalities to impose a fee of up to $200 on applicants for public defender services. Courts could waive the fee if it was deemed an unreasonable burden. The intent of the bill is to eliminate any barriers, including fees, to the Sixth Amendment right to counsel for individuals accused of crimes.