Kingston, NY (November 29, 2021) –Ulster County Comptroller March Gallagher today released an audit of payments made under the 18-B Assigned Counsel program. The 18-B program allows judges to appoint an attorney to represent a client when the Public Defender and the Conflict Defender have a conflict of interest.
“The right to counsel is one of the most fundamental rights in our democracy. Ulster County taxpayers deserve to know that they are getting what they pay for. Our ability to attract quality counsel for indigent clients who need representation depends on attorneys being appropriately and timely compensated. Better oversight of 18-B billing practices will improve Ulster County’s 18-B Program and the service provided to clients needing representation. I am pleased the Administration is making changes to the 18-B Program to implement these recommendations.
