By Kiera Riley | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Bill ends court fees for trials, appeals and public defense
- Proponents say court costs create unequal justice system
- Counties warn revenue loss from bill could strain budgets
Criminal defendants may no longer have to pay for court-appointed counsel, jury trials and appeals if a bipartisan bill passed this session receives a signature from the governor.
House Bill 2265, sponsored by Rep. Neal Carter, R-San Tan Valley, passed through with sweeping support from both chambers and both sides of the aisle. Its passage marks another legislative effort to curb the practice of shifting costs to defendants.
“They’re being charged hundreds of dollars just to have a jury trial, they’re being charged hundreds of dollars if they want to appeal their verdict,” Rebecca Gau, executive director for Stand for Children Arizona, said. “It puts a price tage on justice.”
