Opinion ID: 901280
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Approval or Disapproval of Attorney's Fees and Costs

Text: [¶ 13.] In conformity with the Rules for Compensation of Court Appointed Counsel adopted by all judicial circuits, the presiding judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit entered Standing Order 00-1. Standing Order 00-1 duplicates the Rules for Compensation. As a right under the Rules and Order, an attorney who is dissatisfied with the amount of compensation allowed by the court may ask for a hearing. The procedure for review is set as follows: A. If the full amount of the voucher or statement for fees by counsel is not approved by the trial judge, the trial judge must explain, either orally or in writing, the reasons for change or modification of the statement or voucher submitted by counsel. B. Appeal. If the attorney is dissatisfied with the amount of compensation allowed by the judge presiding in the case, the attorney may request that all judges in that circuit review the claim for compensation and hold a hearing thereon. A decision by the majority of the judges in that circuit shall become the amount of the fees and costs authorized. South Dakota Rules for Compensation of Court Appointed Counsel. The appeal hearing provides attorneys with the opportunity to explain and defend the reasonableness of their submitted fees to all of the judges in the circuit.