Whenever the public defender represents any indigent person held in custody without commitment or charged with any criminal offense, he or she must (1) counsel and defend such person, and (2) prosecute any appeals and other remedies, whether before or after conviction, which he or she considers to be in the interests of justice.

Terms Used In Washington Code 36.26.080

  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
  • Prosecute: To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
  • Public defender: Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.