[Adopted 12-9-1997 by Ord. No. 97-8]
All previously passed ordinances which establish a system of assigned counsel for the representation of indigent defendants are repealed.
The position of Municipal Public Defender is now established to represent indigent defendants in the Municipal Court of the Township of Pilesgrove.
The Municipal Public Defender shall be an attorney at law of the State of New Jersey in good standing and shall serve for a term of one year from the date of appointment, and may continue to serve in office pending reappointment or appointment of a successor.
The Municipal Public Defender shall receive compensation either on an hourly, per diem, annual or other basis as the Township Committee may provide by resolution or agreement.
It shall be the duty of the Municipal Public Defender to represent, except in the case of temporary unavailability or conflict of interest, any defendant charged with an offense in the Municipal Court of the Township of Pilesgrove who is an indigent defendant entitled to representation as determined by said Court.
A. 
The Court shall charge an application fee of $200 for every indigent defendant seeking representation by the Municipal Public Defender. This fee may be waived, in whole or in part, only if the Court determines that the application fee represents an unreasonable burden on the applicant.
B. 
The application fee shall be used exclusively to meet the costs incurred in providing the services of a Municipal Public Defender, including, when required, expert and lay investigation and testimony.