By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association says there are dozens of attorneys who have been forced to drop their indigent cases. The association says the lawyers simply can't afford to give their clients adequate representation. A recent opinion from Attorney General Troy King does not allow attorneys to get overhead compensation to cover their expenses when representing indigent clients. There is also no uniform procedure used for reimbursing attorneys for what they spend representing indigent defense cases. The Criminal Defense Lawyers Association says the group will reintroduce legislation in the special session to reinstate the overhead compensation.