Dutchess County, NY Article XIII Department of Public Defender [1]

[1] Editor's Note: Former Art. XIII, Sec. 13.01, regarding the Commissioner of Aviation, was repealed 12-7-1992 by L.L. No. 8-1992.

Section 13.01 Indigent defendants.

Whenever the Public Defender is requested to represent without charge, whether 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, the Public Defender shall cause to be conducted such investigation to determine the indigency of such defendant. If such investigation results in determination that such defendant is indigent, the Public Defender shall counsel and represent him/her at every stage of the proceedings following arrest, shall initiate such proceedings as in his/her judgment are necessary to protect the rights of the accused, and may prosecute any appeal, if in his/her judgment the facts and circumstances warrant such appeal. If such investigation results in a determination of nonindigency on the part of such defendant, the Public Defender shall immediately notify the appropriate court and request the cessation of representation.

Section 13.02 Assistance from other County units.

In the conduct of the investigation provided for in Section 13.01 of this Code, the Public Defender may seek the cooperation and assistance of any unit of County government and such unit shall furnish such information as the Public Defender may require, except where prohibited by law.