The Public Defender shall represent, without
charge, at the request of a 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, and he or she shall have and exercise
all the powers and duties heretofore or hereafter lawfully granted
or imposed by the Charter, this code, local law, ordinance or resolution
of the County Legislature or by any applicable provision of any act
of the State Legislature not inconsistent with the Charter or this
code. The Public Defender shall also perform such other related functions
as the County Legislature or the County Executive may designate in
order to implement and accomplish the policies and responsibilities
the County Legislature has prescribed.
On or before March 1 of each year, the Public
Defender shall make an annual report for the immediately preceding
calendar year, covering generally the work of his or her Office. The
Public Defender shall make such other reports at such times as may
be required by the County Legislature, County Executive or any other
applicable law. Copies of all reports shall be filed with the Clerk
of the County Legislature and the County Executive.