NCJ Number
125328
Date Published
1990
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This manual presents information about sources of funds for legal representation, expert witnesses, and related services for indigent criminal defendants in Kentucky.
Abstract
The discussion emphasizes that criminal defense work requires resources to investigate; to select jurors; and to test, consult, and present testimony on such issues as the psychological aspects of the client, the forensic evidence presented by the prosecution, and suppression of evidence; and to cross-examine prosecution experts. However, defense attorneys must make major efforts to persuade judges to authorize funds for experts. In addition, many Kentucky jurisdictions have not allocated even a minimum amount of money for providing adequate counsel accused of crimes. However, the trend in the case law is toward ensuring that a fair amount of money is paid to criminal defense attorneys who represent indigents. Summaries of Kentucky statutes and rules, Federal statutes, Kentucky case law, opinions of the Kentucky Attorney General, United States Supreme Court and appellate court decisions, and other Federal and State case law regarding attorney fees, confessions, the use of experts, civil commitment, fingerprints, laboratory evidence, and other issues.