Case ID: so3d_109/html/0895-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "PER CURIAM.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Julie A. SCHLAX, Petitioner, v. JUSTICE ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION, Respondent.
    No. 1D12-5710.
    District Court of Appeal of Florida, First District.
    April 3, 2013.
    Rick A. Sichta and Susanne K. Sichta, Jacksonville, for Petitioner.
    Stuart L. Hartstone and Terence M. Lenamon of The Florida Capital Resource Center, Miami, Amicus Curiae.
    Ana Cristina Martinez, General Counsel, and Christian D. Lake, Assistant General Counsel, the Justice Administrative Commission, Tallahassee, for Respondent.
   PER CURIAM.

Petitioner, Julie A. Schlax, seeks review of an order awarding her $17,000 in attorney’s fees for representing an indigent criminal defendant in a capital case, instead of the $23,670 she requested. Petitioner argues that the trial court departed from the essential requirements of the law in two ways. First, she argues that the trial court erred in limiting her fees without making a finding as to the reasonable number of hours she worked in representing her client. Second, she argues that the trial court impermissibly considered the court’s budget when it limited her fee award. For the reasons explained in Fletcher v. Justice Administrative Commission, (Fla. 1st DCA 2012) 1D12-5709, we grant the petition, quash the fee award, and remand for reconsideration. If the trial court determines that an award greater than the statutory cap is justified, it should make the appropriate findings to support the award.

PETITION GRANTED.

BENTON, C.J., ROWE, and MARSTILLER, JJ., concur.