Pursuant to Article 27A, §4, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Public Defender is charged with the primary duty to provide legal representation to any indigent eligible for services under the Article, in the following proceedings:

1. A. In any criminal or juvenile proceeding constitutionally requiring the presence of counsel before presentment before a commissioner or judge;
2. B. Criminal or juvenile proceedings, when the defendant is charged with a serious crime, before the District Court of Maryland, the various circuit courts within the State, and the Court of Special Appeals;
3. C. Post conviction proceedings under Criminal Procedure Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, when the defendant has a right to counsel pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article, §7-108;
4. D. Any other proceeding when possible incarceration pursuant to a judicial commitment of individuals in institutions of a public or private nature may result;
5. E. An eligible party to a Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) proceeding who is entitled to the assistance of counsel as defined in Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, §3-813, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Authority: Article 27A, §§6(c) and (d) and 10(c), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: October 20, 1985 (12:21 Md. R. 2030)

Regulation .06J amended effective July 13, 1997 (24:14 Md. R. 1013)

Regulation .08A amended effective October 17, 1988 (15:21 Md. R. 2469)

Regulation .08B amended as an emergency provision effective December 14, 1990 (18:2 Md. R. 147); emergency status expired May 13, 1991

Regulation .08B amended effective September 16, 1991 (18:18 Md. R. 2009)

Regulation .08C amended effective July 13, 1997 (24:14 Md. R. 1013)

Regulation .11 amended effective April 11, 1994 (21:7 Md. R. 532)

Chapter revised effective January 17, 2005 (32:1 Md. R. 28)