Los Angeles County Municipal Code Ch. 2.11 Alternate Public Defender

There shall be created a department of the county, which shall be known as the "alternate public defender." The alternate public defender shall perform the duties of the public defender of the county when the public defender is unable, because of a conflict of interest or other lawful unavailability, to represent accused persons who are otherwise eligible for such representation.

(Ord. 93-0032 § 1 (part), 1993.)

The alternate public defender shall be an appointive county officer who shall have the same qualifications required by law for the public defender and shall be appointed and serve in the same manner as the public defender. The alternate public defender shall appoint all deputy alternate public defenders, who shall have the same qualifications required by law for comparable deputy public defenders, and other employees of the alternate public defender.

(Ord. 93-0032 § 1 (part), 1993.)

The alternate public defender shall be distinct and separate from the public defender, and the alternate public defender shall be independently responsible for the performance of the functions of the alternate public defender.

(Ord. 93-0032 § 1 (part), 1993.)

To the extent ethically and lawfully permitted, consistent with the independent representation of their respective clients, the alternate public defender and the public defender shall cooperate in the use of available resources.

(Ord. 93-0032 § 1 (part), 1993.)

To the fullest extent ethically permitted, the alternate public defender shall cooperate in assisting the county and the courts, and those acting on their behalf in recovering costs pursuant to Penal Code Section 987.8 and similar provisions.

(Ord. 93-0032 § 1 (part), 1993.)