19-868 STATEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 8
EXAMINATION OF CASE AND DISCHARGE OR COMMITMENT OF ACCUSED
19-868. Statement of legislative intent. The legislature recognizes that the cost of legal representation of indigent defendants upon the appeal of their criminal convictions, particularly convictions for first-degree murder, is an extraordinary burden on the counties of this state. In order to reduce this burden, provide competent counsel but avoid paying high hourly rates to independent counsel to represent indigent defendants in appellate proceedings, the legislature hereby creates the office of the state appellate public defender.