Rockland County, NY Article XV Public Defender [1]

[Amended 7-1-2014 by L.L. No. 4-2014[2]]

[1] Editor's Note: See also Ch. 5, Administrative Code, Art. XXI.

[2] Editor’s Note: This local law was approved by the County Legislature 8-7-2014 over the veto of the County Executive and was approved at referendum 11-4-2014.

§ C15.01 Appointment and qualifications.

There shall be a Public Defender who shall be appointed by the County Executive for the term of the County Executive, subject to confirmation by the Legislature. The Public Defender shall, at the time of his or her appointment and at all times during his or her term of office, be a qualified elector of the county and shall devote his or her full working time to the duties of the office. He or she shall have been duly admitted to the practice of law in this state for at least five years prior to such appointment and at all times during his or her term of office.

§ C15.02 Powers and duties.

The Public Defender shall represent, without charge, at the request of the defendant or by order of the court with the consent of the defendant, each indigent defendant who is charged with a crime in the county. He or she shall have and exercise all powers or duties conferred or imposed upon him or her by law.