South Dakota Counties to Receive $3 Million for Indigent Legal Services; Lake Co to Receive over $33,000
The South Dakota Office of Indigent Legal Service announced that $3 million for indigent legal services costs will be reimbursed to the state’s counties in the coming weeks.
The 2024 South Dakota Legislature appropriated $3 million to support counties in covering the cost of indigent legal services. These funds will be distributed to counties on a pro rata basis, ensuring that every county receives an equitable share based on their expenditures for indigent defense.
In partnership with the South Dakota State Treasurer, the Commission on Indigent Legal Services gathered data on total expenditures for court-appointed attorneys, public defender offices, and representation of abused and neglected children. These expenditures were certified by each county for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024). The same percentage ratios were applied to ensure consistent distribution of the appropriated $3 million.
Lake county will receive $33, 446 to help cover the cost of Indigent legal services, Miner County – $2094 and Moody County – just under 22 thousand dollars.
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System is overseeing and administering distribution of the $3 million appropriation on behalf of the Commission on Indigent Legal Services.
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