Upon assignment by the court, the attorney or firm will act as court-appointed counsel to indigent adults charged with crimes. Legal services and representation duties include the following: 2.1. Serve as court-appointed counsel for indigent criminal defendants and other persons in cases who are entitled by law to assistance of counsel as defined in the Indigent Defense Act further defined in Utah Code Annotated 78B-22; 2.2. Prepare and appear with clients at all pre-trial and trial proceedings and hearings: A. Obtain formal and informal discovery; B. Interview clients to evaluate evidence and assess strength of case; C. Develop a theory of the case; D. Research legal issues; E. Analyze charging documents, police reports and discovery material and evidence; F. Draft, file, and argue appropriate motions; G. Negotiate settlements or changes of plea; H. Prepare trial briefs and conduct all phases of trial in court, including jury trials; I. Recommend bond and participate in bond hearings; J. Review petitions for probation revocations and participate in sentencing hearings; and, K. Prepare motions for a new trial if necessary. 2.3. Maintain adequate and proper records of the representation for each assigned indigent defendant; and 2.4. Keep current with the statutes, rules, and cases regarding both procedural and substantive legal issues.
