To scrutinize indigent defendants, state officials consider using wage data

By: Ethan DeWitt

Outlets: NH Bulletin

Published: March 10, 2026

Words: 1,135

Last Updated: 3 hours, 24 minutes ago

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As Republicans call for higher scrutiny of indigent defense counsel spending, the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security is exploring a new way to prove whether defendants are low-income: W2 forms.

The proposal, Department of Employment Security Commissioner Rich Lavers told the Executive Council Wednesday, would involve the department sharing the state’s W2 wage data with the courts to allow judges to determine the income of a person requesting a free attorney.

“We’re …

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