For purposes of implementing s. 14, Art. V of the State Constitution, the essential elements of court-appointed counsel are as follows:

1. (1) Private attorneys assigned by the court to handle cases where the defendant is indigent and cannot be represented by the public defender.
2. (2) Private attorneys appointed by the court to represent indigents or other classes of litigants in civil proceedings requiring court-appointed counsel in accordance with state and federal constitutional guarantees.
3. (3) Reasonable court reporting services necessary to meet constitutional requirements.
4. (4) Witnesses summoned to appear for an investigation, preliminary hearing, or trial in a criminal case when the witnesses are summoned on behalf of an indigent defendant; mental health professionals who are appointed pursuant to s. 394.473 and required in a court hearing involving an indigent; and expert witnesses who are appointed pursuant to s. 916.115(2) and required in a court hearing involving an indigent.
5. (5) Investigating and assessing the indigency of any person who seeks a waiver of court costs and fees, or any portion thereof, or applies for representation by a public defender or private attorney.

History.--s. 7, ch. 2000-237.