Blossom Dodge

My name is Blossom Dodge, and I am a parent and an educator who believes that our justice system must uphold the principles of fairness, due process, and equal access to legal representation. HB 611 is a necessary step toward ensuring that every person, regardless of their financial situation, has a fair chance at legal defense without the fear of crushing debt. Why HB 611 is Necessary for Justice and Fairness 1. The Right to Legal Counsel Should Not Depend on Wealth The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney, yet recoupment policies undermine that right by forcing indigent defendants into financial hardship simply for exercising their constitutional rights. Access to legal representation should not come with a price tag. If someone is too poor to afford an attorney in the first place, expecting them to repay the state later only perpetuates inequality in the justice system. 2. Eliminating Recoupment Prevents Economic Hardship for Low-Income Individuals Indigent defendants already struggle to afford basic necessities—adding court-ordered attorney fees on top of other fines, court costs, and potential job loss only deepens financial instability. Recoupment policies trap people in cycles of poverty, making it harder for them to reintegrate into society, find employment, and move forward with their lives after involvement in the justice system. 3. It Ends the Counterproductive Practice of Criminalizing Poverty When individuals cannot afford to repay their court-appointed attorney fees, they may face additional legal consequences, wage garnishment, or prolonged financial instability. This creates a modern form of debtor’s prison, punishing people simply for being poor. HB 611 ensures that no one is punished for exercising their right to legal counsel. 4. The Current System Costs More to Enforce Than It Recovers The process of tracking, collecting, and enforcing repayment of public defender fees is administratively burdensome and costly. Studies have shown that most indigent defendants cannot afford to repay these fees, meaning that the state spends more money trying to collect these funds than it actually recoups. By abolishing recoupment procedures, New Hampshire eliminates an inefficient and costly bureaucratic process that provides little financial benefit to the state. 5. HB 611 Aligns New Hampshire With Best Practices in Criminal Justice Reform Many states have begun eliminating recoupment policies because they disproportionately harm low-income individuals and people of color while failing to generate meaningful revenue. Legal experts and civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, have condemned recoupment policies as barriers to fair and equal justice. Passing HB 611 would ensure that New Hampshire remains a leader in protecting constitutional rights and ensuring equal access to legal representation. Conclusion HB 611 is a critical step toward a more just and equitable legal system. It ensures that everyone—regardless of financial status—can receive legal representation without fear of lifelong debt. It also eliminates an inefficient and costly practice that places an undue burden on low-income defendants while providing little benefit to the state. I urge this committee to support HB 611 and take a stand for justice, fairness, and the constitutional right to legal counsel for all. Thank you for your time and consideration.