§ 2.44.11. Legal defense fund.

A.

A.C.A. § 14-20-102, as amended allows for the creation of a fund to be used in the defense of certain indigent persons and provides a method for financing such fund.

B.

In accordance with and pursuant to the authority conferred by these statutes there shall be created and established a fund to be used for the sole purpose of paying reasonable and necessary costs incurred in the defense of indigent persons accused of criminal offenses and in the defense of indigent persons against whom involuntary commitment procedures for insanity or alcoholism, and for representation in civil and criminal matters of persons deemed incompetent by the court due to minority or mental incapacity, have been brought in the county circuit courts, chancery courts, probate courts or district court, including but not limited to investigative expenses, expert witness fee, and legal fees.

C.

There is hereby levied a fee of five dollars ($5.00) to finance this fund to be collected as costs in each matter, civil or criminal, filed in the county circuit courts, chancery courts, probate courts or district court provided however, no such fee shall be collected as costs in any action filed in the county small claims court.

( Ord. No. 90-27, §§ 1—3 )