About This Survey

The following survey is for a study committee of the Nebraska State Bar Association. Please answer the survey questions honestly. Additionally, please only respond to the survey once. Answers to questions are recorded but are anonymous and private. Answers will only be used for research purposes and will only be presented in the aggregate.

Question Title

* 1. What percentage of your practice is devoted to criminal defense?

Question Title

* 2. How often do you accept criminal court appointments?

Question Title

* 3. Do you currently accept court appointments in (mark all that apply):

Question Title

* 4. If you do not take court appointments, please tell us why (mark all that apply):

Question Title

* 5. If you currently take court appointments, please tell us why (mark all that apply):

Question Title

* 6. Do you feel that the system of appointing counsel is transparent (i.e., the process for getting on the list for court appointments)?

Question Title

* 7. Do you believe that the judges follow a rotation system from those on the list for court appointments?

Question Title

* 8. In the last year, have you ever had a fee reduced by a judge?

Question Title

* 9. In the last year, how often were your fees for court appointed counsel work reduced?

Question Title

* 10. If a judge reduced your bill while working as an appointed counsel, were you given a clear explanation as to why?

Question Title

* 11. If you disagree with a judge's decision to reduce a fee, do you feel that there is a process to appeal that decision in order to resolve the dispute?

Question Title

* 12. In the district(s) you primarily work in, are you aware of or do you know the specific criteria judges follow in regards to the reduction of fees?

Question Title

* 13. Other than an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nebraska, would you favor a standardized appeals process in regards to reducing appointed attorney's fees?

Question Title

* 14. In an attorney fee appeals system, who would be best for resolving fee disputes?

Question Title

* 15. In regards to fair fees for appointed counsel work, what standards are most preferable when assessing how to pay appointed attorneys?

Question Title

* 16. Which range of hourly payment would you consider to be fair for felonies?

Question Title

* 17. Which range of hourly payment would you consider to be fair for misdemeanors?

Question Title

* 18. In some counties, felonies pending bind over to the District Court receive the hourly County Court rate. Should the rate of pay for felonies be the same regardless of which court the case originates?

Question Title

* 19. Would you favor more specific qualifications for criminal appointment work? For example, a class A felony requiring additional experience as compared to a class B felony?

Question Title

* 20. Please select the top three districts you primarily work in as an attorney (one being the most common)

Question Title

* 21. Please state the year you received admittance into the Nebraska Bar

Question Title

* 22. Please provide any additional information that may be useful to know in regards to appointed counsel billing and fees

T