(a) Upon presentation of a claim pursuant to this chapter, the California Victim Compensation Board shall fix a time and place for the hearing of the claim, and shall mail notices of the hearing to interested persons or agencies. The board shall receive recommendations from public safety or law enforcement agencies, and evidence showing all of the following:

(1) The nature of the crime committed by the apprehended criminal or prevented by the action of the private citizen, or the nature of the action of the private citizen in rescuing a person in immediate danger of injury or death as a result of fire, drowning, or other catastrophe, and the circumstances involved.

(2) That the actions of the private citizen substantially and materially contributed to the apprehension of a criminal, the prevention of a crime, or the rescuing of a person in immediate danger of injury or death as a result of fire, drowning, or other catastrophe.

(3) That, as a direct consequence, the private citizen incurred personal injury or damage to property or died.

(4) The extent of the injury or damage for which the claimant is not compensated from any other source.

(5) Any other evidence that the board may require.

(b) If the board determines, on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence, that the state should indemnify the claimant for the injury, death, or damage sustained, it shall approve the claim for payment. In no event shall a claim be approved by the board under this article in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

(c) In addition to any award made under this chapter, the board may award, as attorney’s fees, an amount representing the reasonable value of legal services rendered a claimant, but in no event to exceed 10 percent of the amount of the award. No attorney shall charge, demand, receive, or collect for services rendered in connection with any proceedings under this chapter any amount other than that awarded as attorney’s fees under this section. Claims approved under this chapter shall be paid from a separate appropriation made to the California Victim Compensation in the Budget Act and as the claims are approved by the board.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 31, Sec. 120. (SB 836) Effective June 27, 2016.)