The Public Defender Board shall have the following powers and duties:
(A) Prepare a comprehensive plan for providing legal representation to indigent defendants/respondents in the county in accordance with I.C. 33-40-7-5. The comprehensive plan shall, at a minimum, provide for:
(1) Legal representation to an indigent defendant/respondent at the earliest possible point in time;
(2) Legal representation to an indigent defendant/respondent by the same attorney, or attorneys, through the pendency of the matter to the greatest extent possible; and
(3) Professional development, continuing legal education, and malpractice coverage for public defenders.
(B) Establish policies and procedures for the provision of competent legal representation for indigent defendants/respondents in criminal, juvenile, probation violation, extraditions, child support, criminal contempt, and other matters pursuant to the comprehensive plan;
(C) Establish guidelines and procedures for the determination of indigence, and for the appropriate reimbursement for legal representation provided at public expense, in accordance with I.C. 33-40-3;
(D) Recommend an annual operating budget for the Public Defender Board and monitor the expenditures of the funds; and
(E) Prepare and submit to the County Council and the general public an annual report on the operation of the Public Defender Board.
(Ord. 2016-30, passed - -)