Case Name: STATE of Vermont v. Jared Eden BAILEY
Court: Vermont Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Vermont
Decision Date: 1996-06-27
Citations: 165 Vt. 579
Docket Number: No. 96-300
Parties: STATE of Vermont v. Jared Eden BAILEY
Judges: 
Reporter: Vermont Reports
Volume: 165
Pages: 579–579

Head Matter:
STATE of Vermont v. Jared Eden BAILEY
[682 A.2d 387]
No. 96-300
June 27, 1996.

Opinion:
Defendant appeals from the district court's denial of assignment of counsel. He argues that the court erred by considering the income of his father, with whom he lives, to find that defendant is not a financially needy person. We agree. The public defender statute sets forth a two-step procedure for assignment of counsel. First, a person has a right to assignment of counsel if the person is needy. 13 VS.A. § 5234(a)(1). To determine whether a person is needy, "the court may consider such factors as income, property owned, outstanding obligations, and the number and ages of dependents." 13 VS.A. § 5236(b). If the person is eligible for assigned counsel, then the statute sets forth the second step for co-payment and reimbursement. See 13 VS.A. § 5238. In determining the co-payment and reimbursement amounts, the court shall consider "the income of the person and cohabitating family members." 13 VS.A. § 5238(b).
Here, the court erred by considering the income of defendant's father in the first step of the procedure to determine whether defendant is needy. Cohabitant income is relevant only in determining co-payment and reimbursement.
Reversed and remanded.