Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Re: court appointed attorney has sent bill to collections

It depends upon what your arrangement with the public defender was. I know in some instances, public defenders aren't truly "free", and are allowed to charge their costs and sometimes a reduced hourly rate to their client. If so, they can take you to collections if you have not paid what you agreed to pay. You do, however, have the right (and the public defender should have advised you of this fact) to request fee arbitration as you dispute his or her fees. Contact the State Bar to get more information about fee arbitration.

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