Louisiana § RS 15:176 - Partial reimbursement by indigents
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:176 — Partial reimbursement by indigents, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 15:176. Partial reimbursement by indigents
A. To the extent that a person is financially able to provide for an attorney, other necessary services, and facilities of representation and court costs, the court shall order him to pay for these items. The court may order payment in installments, or in any manner which it believes reasonable and compatible with the defendant's financial ability.
B.(1) Payments so made shall be transmitted to and become a part of the indigent defender fund of the district in which the person is prosecuted.
(2) The district public defender, or service region, where applicable, shall have the authority to recoup funds expended under this Section through the refund offset provisions pursuant to R.S. 47:299.1 through 299.20.
C.(1) When an accused is initially determined to be indigent and appointed counsel but subsequently hires private counsel, the court shall conduct a contradictory hearing to determine the expenses of representing the accused incurred by the office of the district public defender or the service region, where applicable. Upon determining the expenses incurred, the accused shall, within the discretion of the court, be liable to reimburse the office of the district public defender or service region, where applicable, those expenses, upon a determination that the accused was in fact not initially indigent. A judgment for the amount owed may be recorded in the mortgage records in favor of the board for the payment of money against the accused and may be enforced as provided by law.
(2) All funds received by the office of the district public defender shall be deposited into the judicial district indigent defender fund as provided for in R.S. 15:168.
(3) Failure of the accused to disclose the full amount involved in the hiring shall constitute grounds for contempt of court.
Acts 2007, No. 307, §1; Acts 2024, No. 528, §1, eff. June 10, 2024.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 15:176
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:176 cover?
Section RS 15:176 ("Partial reimbursement by indigents") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 15:176?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:176" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 15:176 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.