Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

My son had a court appointed attorney because he has no job or source of income. His case was completely dismissed because they tried to bring charges 2 years after his arrest (he wasn't even arraigned for 2 years) which was too long a time period with nothing going on. Now they want him to pay his court appointed attorney $500. I thought if his case was completely dismissed that the court was responsible for this fee. Does he need to pay?


Asked on 6/03/14, 1:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jared Austin Austin Legal Services, PLC

Contrary to what most people think, court appointed attorneys are not necessarily free. Usually they are at a reduced cost which the defendant can be required to reimburse the county for, even if the case is dismissed unless there is a court order stating otherwise. Usually when someone is arraigned that is either included in the initial paperwork or explained to them that they could be ordered to reimburse some or all of their court appointed attorney costs. If your son is having problems paying it, he can probably contact the courts and arrange a payment plan.

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Answered on 6/03/14, 1:26 pm


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