Public defense contracts must meet new standards, with flat fees banned in top cases
County and court contracts for appointed defense lawyers must meet set standards, including separate money for investigators and other defense services. Flat-fee and per-case pay is banned in cases carrying a possible sentence of death or life without parole.
Who it affects
Counties, courts and contract defense lawyers
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027; the changes described here start on January 1, 2028.
- : Signed into law
- : Law takes effect
- : The changes described here start to apply
Official text
California AB 690: Criminal procedure: indigent defense compensation.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.