RCW 71.09 Civil Commitment

Billing Information

Effective July 1, 2012, as provided by  Chapter 257 Laws of 2012, the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) became responsible for administering defense services for indigent respondents involved in sexually violent predator (SVP) civil commitment proceedings under Chapter 71.09 RCW.

Defense Costs on or after July 1, 2012 

OPD will pay for OPD-contracted attorneys and approved indigent defense services provided on or after July 1, 2012, as authorized by statutes, court rules, court orders, and OPD policies and procedures. Attorneys who are awarded an OPD contract will receive required invoice forms, other documentation forms, policies and procedures, and instructions from OPD.

Costs for indigent defense services are costs directly associated with the legal representation of indigent respondents qualified for appointment of counsel as provided for in  Chapter 257 Laws of 2012, and include approved fees for defense attorneys, defense experts, defense investigators and court reporters. Costs for indigent defense services do not include any costs associated with the transportation of respondents to and from the SCC or other facility, county jail costs, guardian ad litem costs, or county trial costs. 

Defense Costs prior to July 1, 2012

OPD will not pay costs associated with defense services provided prior to July 1, 2012. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Special Commitment Center (SCC) will pay for indigent defense services provided on or before June 30, 2012.  Counties, attorneys, experts, investigators, court reporters and others seeking payment for compensable indigent defense services provided on or before June 30, 2012, must submit invoices and all other required documentation for these services to the SCC pursuant to statutes, rules and SCC policies and procedures in effect at the time the services were provided.