OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER

State of Maryland

(electronic) PETITION FOR LEGAL FEES AND EXPENSES

Instructions – Effective January 1, 2018

The electronic Petition for Legal Fees and Expenses replaces the following forms:

  • PD-7 PETITION FOR LEGAL FEE AND EXPENSES (Rev. 07/03)
  • SUPPLEMENTAL PANEL CASE INFORMATION SHEET
  • PD-5 FINAL REPORT – CIRCUIT COURT (Rev. 11/91)
  • PD-5 FINAL REPORT – JUVENILE (Rev. 2/86)
  • PD-5 FINAL REPORT – DISTRICT COURT (Rev. 11/91)

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The Petition for Legal Fees and Expenses (the “Petition”) is used to request payment for fees and expenses incurred representing clients in cases paneled by Office of the Public Defender (“OPD”), not for coverage of dockets and pretrial hearings (see Per Diem form.) Please ensure that all fields are accurately completed and that your petition is signed and dated to assist in the timely processing of your submission.

The following information is required in the header of the form:

  • Defendant – full legal name of client
  • Matter ID # – OPD-assigned 9-digit number; contact the District/Division for this number prior to submission of the Petition.
  • Case # - court-assigned number
  • Payee information – Attorney name, law firm, address, telephone number and email address; firm Federal ID #or individual social security #.
  • Area of Law

Note: Petitions submitted without OPD Matter ID #s will be delayed in processing until the information is submitted or otherwise determined.

CASE REPORTING

List the top six (6) charges covered by the case and, using the dropdown menus, select the Finding and Nature of Proceeding for each. There is a section for any additional notes that you deem relevant.

Enter the date(s) for court appearances as listed and check if the case was subsequently assigned or private counsel retained.

Write in terms and conditions of sentencing and check off post-conviction activity, including sentence review, reduction or appeal. Please note any amounts for court-ordered fees.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Enter the date and number of hours of activity in and out-of court with a full description of the work completed. Please be brief, but as specific as possible. Partial hours should be entered as decimal quantities (30 minutes = 0.5, 15 minutes = 0.25, etc.). The Supplemental Information Sheet will automatically calculate the total hours in and out-of-court and post the total to the Petition.

MILEAGE AND EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENT DETAIL

Mileage

OPD reimburses for mileage for travel required outside of your district at the rate in effect for State employees and the IRS. This rate is subject to change every January 1.

Include the month/day/year(s) of travel, point of origination, point of destination, total round trip miles and purpose of travel on the form.

Expenses

OPD does not reimburse for expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business for your operations, such as copies, postage or telephone. Case-specific, out-of-pocket expenses supported by a paid receipt will be considered for reimbursement.

Include the date, description, dollar amount and purpose of the expenses on the form.

Total mileage and expense reimbursements will be calculated automatically and posted to the Petition.

CERTIFICATION

Please check the amounts posted to the petition from the supporting schedules to ensure accuracy. Then print, sign and date the Petition in blue ink and mail ONLY the originalPetition, Supplemental Information Sheet, Mileage and Expense Detail, with any required receipts, to:

Office of the Public Defender

Fiscal – Suite 2101

6 St Paul Street

Baltimore MD 21202

Please note that original forms, but only originals, and no copies are required.

Thank you for your continued support for OPD.