La. Admin. Code tit. 22, § XV-1303 - Obligations of Defense Counsel
A.
The primary and most fundamental obligation of the attorney representing a
child client in a delinquency case is to provide zealous and effective
representation for his or her client at all stages of the process. The defense
attorney's duty and responsibility is to promote and protect the expressed
interests of the child client. Attorneys also have an obligation to uphold the
ethical standards of the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, to act in
accordance with the Louisiana Rules of the Court, and to properly document case
files to reflect adherence to these standards.
B. The attorney who provides legal services
for a child client owes the same duties of undivided loyalty, confidentiality
and zealous representation to the child client as is due to an adult client.
The attorney's personal opinion of the child client's guilt is not relevant to
the defense of the case.
C. The
attorney should communicate with the child client in a manner that will be
effective, considering the child client's maturity, intellectual ability,
language, educational level, special education needs, cultural background,
gender, and physical, mental and emotional health. If appropriate, the attorney
shall file a motion to have a foreign language or sign language interpreter
appointed by the court and present at the initial interview and at all stages
of the proceedings.
Notes
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