LAC 22:XV.1523 – Child Client’s Right to Appeal

A. Following a delinquency adjudication, the attorney should inform the child client of his or her right to appeal the judgment of the court and the action that must be taken to perfect an appeal. This discussion should include the details of the appellate process including the time frames of decisions, the child client’s obligations pending appeal, and the possibility of success on appeal.
B. Counsel representing the child client following a delinquency adjudication should promptly undertake any factual or legal investigation in order to determine whether grounds exist for relief from juvenile court or administrative action. If there is reasonable prospect of a favorable result, the lawyer should advise the child client of the nature, consequences, probable outcome, and advantages or disadvantages associated with such proceedings.
C. After disposition, the attorney should consider filing a motion to reconsider the disposition. The attorney should consider an appeal of the disposition where appropriate.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 15:148.

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Public Defender Board, LR 37:2614 (September 2011), amended LR 45:418 (March 2019).