Here's a breakdown of the JAC challenges for the requested costs:
As for the $5,000 in investigative services, the JAC argues the defense "has the burden to show how the requested investigator is necessary to the defense of the case and how the failure to provide such service would prejudice the defense."
The JAC response also says the rates for investigators cannot exceed $40 per hour.
As for the up to $7,500 for a psychiatrist or psychologist, the JAC response states "counsel needs to file a separate motion delineating the particularized need for the expert." The JAC objects to any out-of-state psychiatrist or psychologist and wants to be heard before the court authorizes any experts.
It also objects to any rate for experts outside established rates. For instance, psychological evaluations have a flat per-exam maximum rate of $350.
The JAC does not object to paying "reasonable costs" for copying medical and school records, according to the response. But the defense will need to provide proof of payment of those costs before JAC will reimburse them.
As for the additional 100 hours for the mitigation specialist, the JAC notes the court previously approved a "cap" of 384 hours for mitigation specialist Jeanene Barrett.
"It is unclear whether that cap has been reached at this time," states the response from JAC Assistant General Counsel Bradley Bischoff.
The rate for such work is $40 per hour and the response states the court "must determine that the additional hours sought are reasonable and necessary for the defense of the case."
As for Finnell's travel expenses and lodging, the response says, "JAC objects to reimbursement of travel expenses for any attorney in this case inasmuch as lead counsel is privately retained. Such travel expenses are overhead expenses that should be paid for through counsel's fee."
It goes on to say "the state should not bear the responsibility to cover travel expenses for a privately retained attorney who chooses to use the services of yet another attorney"
The response adds that although Finnell may not be charging Casey Anthony for her services "this is not a pro bono case; it is an indigent for costs case, where lead counsel has received a fee of $89,454.3."
Under JAC policies and procedures, the JAC would pay for attorney travel if the defendant was represented by one "pro bono attorney," but JAC "objects to paying for attorney travel where the defendant has retained privately paid counsel."
Later in the response, the JAC attorney argues, "Here the lead counsel has received compensation from a source other than JAC. Those funds should be used to cover the overhead expenses, including any attorney travel."
If travel is reimbursable, the JAC argues the defense "has the burden to show that any travel is necessary for the defense of the case."
As for the Ohio lodging and expenses for the investigator or mitigation specialist, the JAC argues the defense "has the burden to show how the requested travel is necessary to the defense of the case and how the failure to provide such travel would prejudice the defense."
The response cites the court's May 12 order, which says "out-of-state interviews and depositions shall be done through the use of video conferencing equipment available at the Orange County Courthouse."
It also objects to Finnell's travel and lodging expenses between Jacksonville and Orlando.
The response asks the court to set a hearing on the various expenses requested by the defense.