At the conclusion of the proceedings under § 12-25.1-4, the attorney representing a claimant who has received an award of compensation shall file a statement with the court setting forth the amount of fee proposed to be charged in connection with his or her efforts and services rendered in the proceedings. After the fee information is filed by the attorney, the court shall determine whether the proposed fee is reasonable. If the court initially determines that the proposed fee is unreasonable, the court shall, upon notice to the attorney, determine the amount of a reasonable fee. Upon certification by the court to the effect that the fee has been established, the general treasurer shall pay to the attorney named in the certification the amount of the counsel fee which shall be paid from the appropriate portion of the criminal royalties fund. Any attorney who charges, demands, receives, or collects for services rendered in connection with any proceedings under this chapter any amount in excess of that allowed under this section, if any compensation is paid, shall be subject to disciplinary action and other appropriate action to be taken by the supreme court of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 328, § 1.