Liane E. Kerr, Esquire, Petitioner-Pro Se v. Hon. Karen Parsons

Summary

The New Mexico Supreme Court held that the General Appropriations Act’s prohibition on hourly rates for public‑defender contract counsel does not violate the Sixth Amendment or the New Mexico Constitution’s right to effective assistance of counsel, and therefore vacated the district court’s orders mandating $85‑per‑hour payments and remanded for prosecution to proceed. Justice Vigil filed a specially concurring opinion noting the systemic funding challenges but agreeing with the majority’s holding.