Indigient Defense RFP

TOWN OF PORT ROYAL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

INDIGENT LEGAL DEFENSE SERVICES

The Sixth Amendment to the United States and South Carolina Constitution requires Municipalities to provide indigent persons charged with criminal offenses and facing the possibility of incarceration with a competent attorney who can provide effective assistance of counsel.    The Town of Port Royal, South Carolina (Town) is seeking proposals from interested and qualified individuals to provide indigent defense services in the Port Royal Municipal Court.   Qualified individuals will have graduated from an accredited law school, attained a Juris Doctorate degree, and are a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar; prior experience in handling criminal cases and criminal jury trials, particularly in municipal or magistrate courts, is preferred.  The target start date for performing these services is approximately late May 2025 to account for a transition from current coverage for cases scheduled to be heard after July 1.

The Town intends to award one independent contractor agreement to the individual or organization that submits the proposal considered to be of the best value to the Town.  The initial period shall be for one (1) year with the option to renew for up to four (4) additional one-year periods.

At a minimum, and to be considered a responsible proposer, the individuals must:

1. Currently possess or be willing to obtain a Town Port Royal Business License if contract is awarded;

1. Be a graduate of an accredited law school and have attained a Juris Doctorate degree;

1. Be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar;

1. Prior experience in handling criminal cases and criminal jury trials, particularly in municipal or magistrate courts, is preferred

• Proposal Submissions Due: February 24, 2025, 2:00 PM
• Public Bid Opening: February 24, 2025, 2:00 PM, 700 Paris Avenue, Town Hall

For more information please click on the green hyperlink below titled "Indigent Defense RFP"

Indigent Defense RFP