As Tyler Robinson faces charges in the high-profile assassination of Charlie Kirk, Utah’s county and state governments are bracing for what could become an extraordinarily expensive legal ordeal — with taxpayers footing the bill.
Robinson, 22, was formally charged on Sept. 16 with aggravated murder, along with multiple related counts including obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and discharging a firearm. Prosecutors announced their intent to pursue the death penalty in the case.
Because Robinson has been found indigent, the state is obligated to provide a qualified legal defense — a cost burden that local residents and taxpayers may absorb for years to come. In anticipation of mounting legal costs, the Utah County Commission has already approved $1 million to cover trial expenses, including prosecutorial work and the defense.
County officials estimate Robinson’s defense alone could cost at least $750,000, while total combined costs (defense + prosecution) may exceed $1.3 million. Yet many observers warn that this is only the start. In capital cases involving complex evidence, appeals, and prolonged proceedings, costs often escalate into multi-million-dollar territories.
Kathryn Nester, a veteran federal public defender with more than three decades of experience, was appointed last Wednesday to represent Robinson, according to a Utah County spokesperson. The Utah County Commission has already approved $1 million in initial funding to support staffing for both the prosecution and defense teams in the high-profile case. However, local attorneys told Fox News that the total cost of Robinson’s legal defense is expected to climb well beyond that initial figure.
On September 16, Utah defense attorney Greg Skordas appeared on behalf of Utah County, assisting officials in finding legal counsel for Robinson. He told Fox News that because the case involves the death penalty, the attorney must meet specific qualifications.
“They have to be what’s called death-qualified. I know that’s weird, but we have a rule in Utah called Rule 8, which says in order to be court-appointed on a death penalty case, you have to accomplish certain things. In other words, you’ve done so many criminal cases. You’ve gone to trial on murder cases. You’ve taken classes in death penalty representation,” Skordas said.
Although a financial contract exists, Skordas said there’s “no ceiling” on spending. Criminal defense attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News that if Robinson is sentenced to death by a Utah jury, the total cost of his defense could be “north of $10 million” due to the lengthy appeals process.
Because Robinson faces capital charges, Utah law requires defense counsel with deep experience handling felony trials, jury verdicts in homicide cases, and training in death penalty litigation. The appointed lead attorney, Kathryn Nester, is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer and former head of the federal public defender’s office in Utah. To bolster her team, attorneys Michael Burt (who once defended Lyle Menendez) and Richard Novak have also been added under pro hac vice permissions.
A full capital defense team often includes multiple co-counsel, mitigation specialists, investigators, paralegals, and support staff — all of which carry fees, salaries, and logistical costs.
The case involves ballistic analysis, DNA testing, crime scene reconstruction, digital and messaging evidence (e.g. Discord messages, texts), and psychological/mitigation evaluations. Each expert in these disciplines commands high fees. In death-penalty cases, defense teams typically file numerous pretrial motions (suppression, mental health evaluations, discovery disputes). Each motion can necessitate hearings, legal briefs, and responses — all of which add time and cost.
If Robinson is convicted and sentenced to death, state and federal appeals and post-conviction review are virtually guaranteed. These extended legal battles may span years or even decades, accruing millions more in public expense.
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, 2025-10-06 18:24:00, 
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