Overview
- Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys' Council Director Pete Skandalakis filed a response saying the new fee‑reimbursement statute is likely unconstitutional because counties cannot contest liability.
- Skandalakis argued the law does not apply in this case because courts found only an appearance of impropriety in Fani Willis’ removal, not improper conduct.
- Defendants requested nearly $17 million after the case was dismissed in November, including about $6.2 million sought by President Donald Trump.
- The statute allows judges to award reasonable defense fees when a prosecutor is disqualified and a case is dismissed, with payment drawn from the prosecutor’s office budget.
- Skandalakis urged the court to weigh lower standard conflict‑counsel rates of $66.57 and $125 per hour, while Trump’s attorney said the statute is constitutional and the critique is wrong.