According to the American Bar Association, several states charge indigent defendants to apply for a public defender.

Question

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Several states in the U.S. do indeed charge indigent defendants a fee to apply for a public defender, as part of what are known as "pay-to-stay" or "criminal justice financial obligations" (CJFOs), which can include various fees associated with going through the criminal justice system.

According to the American Bar Association, Several States Charge Indigent