Rhode Island General Laws 14-1-31. Services of public defender
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Prior to the commencement of any hearing, the justice shall advise the parent or guardian of any child, or the adult involved, as the case may be, that if he or she is financially unable to engage counsel, he or she is entitled to the services of the public defender. The public defender shall, at the request of a justice of the family court, appear in court on behalf of that person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-31; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 14-1-31
- Adult: means a person eighteen (18) years of age or older. See Rhode Island General Laws 14-1-3
- Child: means a person under eighteen (18) years of age. See Rhode Island General Laws 14-1-3
- court: means the family court of the state of Rhode Island. See Rhode Island General Laws 14-1-3
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Justice: means a justice of the family court. See Rhode Island General Laws 14-1-3
- person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
- Public defender: Represent defendants who can't afford an attorney in criminal matters.