Welcome to the Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys Website!

Since 1989, the Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys (CCAA) has served to create standards for public defense services in Indiana Counties or Regional Systems that choose to uphold those standards in exchange for a partial reimbursement of county expenses in non-capital cases. The Commission also provides standards and partial reimbursement to all counties in capital (death penalty) cases and Federal Title 4-E Funding to ALL counties that request funding.

The Commission is an independent, judicial branch state agency of Indiana's state government.

There are three separate state agencies that provide support to Indiana's locally-based public defense services. The agencies and their primary duties are listed below.

News & Announcements:

State Budget Director Announces No Raises for Judicial Officers for Fiscal Year 26-27

Salary increases for Chief PDs and Chief Deputy PDs shall not be required by the CCAA for 2027

The State Budget Director has informed the Chief Justice that, based on existing statutory framework, there shall be no salary increases for judicial officers for Fiscal Year 26-27. Click HERE to read the letter explaining the details. Salary adjustments for elected prosecuting attorneys and chief deputies are also tied to the judicial officer increases.

The CCAA's Standard J states: "In counties that have established a county public defender office, the salaries and compensation provided to the chief public defender and deputy chief public defender shall be the same as provided to the elected prosecutor and the chief deputy prosecutor in the county under I.C. 33-39-6-5."

Therefore, the CCAA shall not require counties that participate in its standard and reimbursement program to increase salaries for chief public defenders or chief deputies in 2027.

Please note that counties are permitted to increase those salaries, and the CCAA shall reimburse for 40% for any county that chooses to do so. Additionally, be advised that any additional stipends paid to the elected or chief deputy prosecutors are also required for the chief and chief deputy public defender.

Posted: 6/24/26

New Hourly Rates for Capital (Death Penalty) & Non-Capital Cases Announced

Criminal Rule 6.1(C)(1) requires the Chief Administrative Officer of the Office of Judicial Administration to review and adjust the hourly rate for appointed counsel in death penalty cases every two years. The current hourly rate for appointed counsel in death penalty cases is $151.00. Beginning January 1, 2027, the hourly rate in death penalty cases filed or remanded after appeal will increase from $151.00 to $160.00. This rate will remain in effect until further notice. Click HERE to read the letter from the Interim Chief Administrative Officer with more details.

The CCAA's Standard H indicates that "Counsel shall be compensated for time actually expended at the hourly rate of not less than 75% of the capital rate required under Criminal Rule [6.1(C)(1)], rounded, up or down, to the nearest $10/hour. The effective date of any increases shall tier with the capital rate increases (January 1 of odd-numbered years)." Therefore, beginning January 1, 2027, the hourly rate in non-capital cases filed or remanded after appeal will increase from  $110.00 to $120.00.

Posted: 6/18/26

Services to Local Public Defender Offices Available from the Indiana Office of Technology

"Public defender rules for poor Hoosiers often unwritten and vary by judicial officer, report finds"

The Jessie A. Cook Criminal Justice Scholarship

2026 Reimbursement Request Due Dates & Commission Meeting Dates:

The agenda and memorandum shall be posted on this site at least 48 hours prior to the meetings. Unless otherwise noted on the agenda, the meeting shall be held at the CCAA Office (101 W. Ohio St, Suite 1800, Indianapolis, IN 46202) at 2 p.m. Eastern. The public is invited to attend in person or via electronic means permitted under IC § 5-14-1.5-3.6, excluding any Executive Sessions that may be scheduled as permitted under IC § 5-14-1.5-6.1. To view the Commission’s Electronic Meeting Policy, click HERE.

All meetings comply with the Indiana Open Door Law (IC § 5-14), as revised effective 7-1-25. The meeting shall be livestreamed and recorded. The recorded meeting, agenda, minutes, and memoranda (meeting materials) shall be archived and made available for public viewing on the CCAA’s website for no less than 90 days following the meeting. Click HERE to view. By attending and participating, please be advised that your image and any involvement you have in the meeting shall be included in the archive.