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Memo from OSC: Capital Case Attorney Compensation Rate
July 17, 2026
Good morning,
Pursuant to R.C. 120.33(D) the Capital Case Attorney Fee Council meets annually to establish and review the compensation rate for lawyers who represent indigent defendants in death penalty cases. In an effort to better inform our process, we are seeking your feedback.
The Council is evaluating the current compensation rate. The last time the compensation rate was increased was in 2023, from $125 to $140. That hourly rate is to be paid at least quarterly, applies to all stages of a capital case, and there is no cap or limit. We would greatly appreciate any input, data, documents, references, compilations, or information of any kind that you or your organization would be able to provide concerning the current rate of compensation.
If you have any information that you feel would be helpful to the Council, please do not hesitate to communicate that information to us. Please email or mail your response no later than August 17, 2026 to christopher.geocaris@sc.ohio.gov or:
Capital Case Attorney Compensation Rate
Capital Case Attorney Fee Council
ATTN: Chris Geocaris, 6th Floor
65 S. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Michael Hess, Chair
Judge - Fourth District Court of Appeals
