Trask

refused to pay an attorney the amounts billed for her representation of four indigent minors. By way of a petition for a writ of mandate, the attorney sought our assistance and we issued an alternative writ. After consideration of opposition submitted by County Counsel on behalf of the juvenile court and the County of Los Angeles, we hold that the juvenile court must, upon a request submitted after the court has refused to pay a portion of an appointed attorney’s claim for fees and expenses, state the reason for the reduction.

Facts

Gloria Connor Trask was appointed by the juvenile court to represent four indigent minors. According to its fee schedule, the juvenile court currently pays its appointed attorneys at the rate of $45 per hour.

Jason L.

Jason was charged with possession of an aerosol paint container and malicious mischief. Trask appeared at his arraignment and requested a referral for informal At a second hearing, an issue arose about the amount of damage Jason had caused with his spray painting and the court authorized Trask to contact the Glendora Police Department and the Glen-dora Public Works Department to investigate, which she did. At a third hearing…