NCJ Number
185650
Date Published
2000
Length
111 pages
Annotation
The fiscal year 2000 annual report of Maryland's Office of the Public Defender (OPD) indicates the goals of the OPD are to provide the best legal representation possible to accused indigent citizens and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all residents.
Abstract
Attorneys, administrative staff, and support staff of the OPD seek to ensure the quality of legal representation is not compromised by the economic status of the accused. Public defenders are concerned with guaranteeing the accused fundamental constitutional protections. The annual report of the OPD for fiscal year 2000 describes the organizational structure of the OPD, as well as office functions and operations, and covers staffing and budget issues. The operation of the OPD is detailed as it functions in five service programs: general administration, district operations, appellate and collateral review, involuntary institutional services, and capital defense. Operations of the OPD are also characterized by district and county. Tables and figures