1. (a) A public defender may use a public defender investigator who is qualified under subsection (b) to assist the public defender in preparing for the criminal defense of indigent persons.

2. (b) To practice as a public defender investigator, an individual must:

   1. (1) be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
   2. (2) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on the individual's ability to competently perform the duties of a public defender investigator.

3. (c) A public defender investigator may not perform any duties for the public defender that constitute the unauthorized practice of law.

   [Pre-2004 Recodification Citation: 33-9-11-6.]

As added by P.L.98-2004, SEC.19.