Chapter 2. Duties And Powers of California Government Code >> Division 3. >> Title 2. >> Part 7. >> Chapter 2.

The primary responsibility of the State Public Defender is to represent those persons who are entitled to representation at public expense in the proceedings listed in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) and (d) of Section 15421. This responsibility shall take precedence over all other duties and powers set forth in this chapter.

Upon appointment by the court or upon the request of the person involved the State Public Defender is authorized to represent any person who is not financially able to employ counsel in the following matters:
  (a) An automatic appeal to the Supreme Court under Section 11 of Article VI of the California Constitution and subdivision (b) of Section 1239 of the Penal Code.
  (b) A petition for a writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court with respect to a judgment on the automatic appeal to the Supreme Court under Section 11 of Article VI of the California Constitution and subdivision (b) of Section 1239 of the Penal Code.
  (c) An appeal in a noncapital, criminal case as long as the State Public Defender is fulfilling the responsibilities to provide representation imposed pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b), or the State Public Defender determines that taking a limited number of those cases is necessary for staff training.

Where a county public defender has refused, or is otherwise reasonably unable to represent a person because of conflict of interest or other reason, the State Public Defender is authorized to represent such person, pursuant to a contract with the county which provides for reimbursement of costs, where the person is not financially able to employ counsel and is charged with the commission of any contempt or offense triable in the superior court at all stages of any proceedings relating to such charge, including restrictions on liberty resulting from such charge. Except in cases of representation under subdivision (d) of Section 15421, the State Public Defender may decline to represent such person by filing a letter with the appropriate court citing Section 15420 of this chapter.

The State Public Defender is authorized to appear as a friend of the court and may appear in a legislative, administrative or other similar proceeding.

A person requesting the appointment of counsel shall make a financial statement under oath in the manner provided in rules adopted by the Judicial Council.

The duties prescribed for the State Public Defender by this chapter are not exclusive and he may perform any acts consistent with them in carrying out the functions of the office.