Kansas

The state of Kansas funds and administers indigent defense services in adult criminal trials for some case types. Local governments fund and administer services in other case types. A state commission oversees state-administered services only.

The state of Kansas funds and administers indigent defense services for some adult criminal case types in its appellate courts. Local governments fund and administer services in other case types. A state commission oversees state-administered services only.

  • 105 Counties Shared State and Locally Funded

  • 105 Counties Shared State and Locally Administered

  • 105 Counties with a Commission With Limited Authority

  • 105 Counties Primarily State Funded

  • 105 Counties Shared State and Locally Administered

  • 105 Counties with a Commission With Limited Authority

The state-funded Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) administers indigent defense services statewide for felony cases, whereas counties and cities fund and administer services for misdemeanors. BIDS has statewide authority to decide how felony representation services are delivered in each county. BIDS maintains public defender offices, conflict offices, and contracts with private attorneys for direct services in some counties, and in other counties BIDS uses local panels of private attorneys maintained by district judges.

BIDS is responsible for providing oversight of felony representation statewide but has no oversight of misdemeanor services (unless a county has contracted with BIDS to provide services at the county’s expense). The governor appoints nine members to BIDS’ oversight board, which is responsible for appointing BIDS’ executive director. The executive director sets standards and supervises the delivery of services. The director’s ability to supervise local private attorney panels is statutorily limited. BIDS also provides representation in felony appeals and post-conviction proceedings.

The state-funded Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services (BIDS) administers indigent defense services statewide for adult appeals in felonies, whereas counties and cities fund and administer services for misdemeanor appeals. BIDS has statewide authority to decide how felony appellate services are delivered across the state. Capital appeals are handled by two capital appellate offices. Noncapital felony appeals are handled by a statewide appellate office. Conflict cases are handled by private attorneys under contracts with BIDS.

BIDS is responsible for providing oversight of felony representation statewide but has no oversight of misdemeanor services. The governor appoints nine members to BIDS’ oversight board, which is responsible for appointing BIDS’ executive director. The executive director sets standards and supervises the delivery of services. BIDS also provides representation in felony trials and post-conviction proceedings.

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Questions Open/Close

Who serves on the commission?

How is the responsibility for funding and administering indigent defense services in misdemeanor cases divided between counties and cities?

Is an indigent defendant required to pay a fee for their appointed counsel?

In which branch of state government does the indigent defense system reside?