(a) If it appears to the court that the person sought to be involuntarily admitted is in need of counsel, counsel shall be appointed immediately upon filing of the original petition.
(b)
(1) Whenever legal counsel is appointed by the court, the court shall determine the amount of the fee, if any, to be paid the attorney so appointed and issue an order for payment.
(2) The amount allowed shall not exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150) based upon the time and effort of the attorney in the investigation, preparation, and representation of the client at the court hearings.
(3) The court shall have the authority to appoint counsel on a pro bono basis.
(c) The quorum courts of each county shall appropriate funds for the purpose of payment of the attorney's fees provided for by this subchapter, and, upon presentment of a claim accompanied by an order of the circuit court fixing the fee, the fee shall be approved by the county court and paid in the same manner as other claims against the county are paid.
Structure Arkansas Code
Title 20 - Public Health and Welfare
Chapter 47 - Treatment of Persons With Mental Illness
Subchapter 2 - Commitment and Treatment
§ 20-47-204. Voluntary admissions
§ 20-47-205. Jurisdiction of circuit court
§ 20-47-207. Involuntary admission — Original petition
§ 20-47-208. Role of prosecuting attorney
§ 20-47-209. Initial hearing — Failure to appear — Exceptions from appearance requirement
§ 20-47-210. Immediate confinement — Initial evaluation and treatment
§ 20-47-211. Notification of rights
§ 20-47-212. Appointment of counsel
§ 20-47-213. Evaluation — When performed and by whom — Transportation to place of evaluation
§ 20-47-214. Forty-five-day involuntary admission — Hearing
§ 20-47-215. Additional periods of involuntary admission — Petitions — Hearing
§ 20-47-220. Fundamental rights
§ 20-47-221. Patient or client advocate
§ 20-47-222. Transfer and admission of residents who become ill in another state
§ 20-47-223. Admission not adjudication of incapacity
§ 20-47-224. Conversion from involuntary to voluntary status
§ 20-47-225. Liability for charges
§ 20-47-227. Exclusion from liability
§ 20-47-228. Assurance of compliance