A. General Description. Pursuant to Chapter 10.101 RCW, all indigent criminal defendants who are determined to be eligible and are charged under the ordinances of the City will be referred to the Public Defender. The Public Defender will provide legal representation for each of these defendants (through direct Court appointment or through screening) from arraignment through trial, sentencing, post-conviction review, and any appeal. Public Defenders will not withdraw from cases until representation is complete. Performance of services shall in all respects comply with the Standards. B. Additional Public Defense Standards. In addition to the Standards, the Public Defender shall at all times comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct and all other applicable Court rules. The Public Defender shall maintain the highest standards of conduct and behavior towards the Court, prosecutors, and all parties. C. The Public Defender will attempt to initiate contact with assigned clients within twenty‐ four (24) hours of assignment. The Public Defender will provide their clients with contact information for availability during office hours. The Public Defender will return client phone calls or other attempts to contact the Public Defender within forty-eight (48) hours excluding weekends.
