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Indigent Criminal Defense Appointments (ICDA)

Los Angeles County · Los Angeles County Superior Court

Accepting ApplicationsAlternate Public Defender
300+Attorneys
25,000+Annual Caseload
$75–$140/hrRate Range
$4.3MBudget

About

The ICDA program is the largest conflict defense appointment system in California, serving Los Angeles County when the Public Defender and Alternate Public Defender are both conflicted. Managed by the Superior Court, the program appoints private attorneys from an approved panel to handle cases across dozens of courthouses throughout the county.

Rate Schedule

Case TypeRate TypeAmount
misdemeanorPer Hour$75/hr
felonyPer Hour$100/hr
serious felonyPer Hour$120/hr
homicidePer Hour$140/hr

Resources Available

Investigator

Investigator services available through court-approved funding

Expert Witness

Expert witness funding available with pre-approval

Interpreter

Court-provided interpreters at all LA County courthouses

Mentorship

Limited mentorship through LA County Bar programs

Requirements

  • Bar Admission: California
  • Minimum Experience: 1+ year criminal defense recommended
  • Malpractice InsuranceRequired
  • Background CheckRequired

Highlights

  • Largest conflict panel system in California
  • $75-$140/hr by case severity
  • 25,000+ cases annually
  • Multiple courthouse assignments available
  • Expert witness funding available

Application Process

  • Method: Application through LA County Superior Court Clerk's Office
  • Timeline: Rolling admissions, panel review monthly

Quick Info

County
Los Angeles
Admin Body
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Panel Type
Alternate Public Defender
Accepts New Attorneys
Yes

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