Sec. 6. (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.

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

Terms Used In Indiana Code 33-40-2-6

  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Public defender: Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.
(1) be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and

(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.

     (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.