Beginning July 1, court-appointed counsel in criminal appeals will see revised compensation, the Court of Appeals of Virginia announced.

The difference in compensation recognizes that counsel must prepare all cases for full merit review.

The enhanced fee structure follows:

• $1,500 for misdemeanor appeals briefed and argued before the court and $1,300 for those cases that are not argued
• $2,000 for felony appeals briefed and argued before the court and $1,800 for those cases that are not argued
• An additional $500 for those cases that are granted en banc review and argue

"The revised fees demonstrate considerable progress and enhance the new structure of merit review as a matter of right,” Chief Judge Marla Graff Decker said in the news release.

Virginia-licensed attorneys interested in representing indigent appellants can apply by filling out and submitting a form to serve as appellate court-appointed counsel. Send completed applications to cavcourtappointed@vacourts.gov.