LEO: Criminal Law/Appeal to State Supreme, LE Op. 525

 

    Criminal Law/Appeal to State Supreme Court/Scope of Court-Appointed Defense Attorney's Representation.

 

    September 13, 1983

 

    There is no ethical requirement that a defense attorney appointed by a state court to represent an indigent accused appeal his client's conviction beyond the Supreme Court of Virginia. The court-appointed defense attorney should, however, promptly advise his client of any remaining proceedings available, provide the client with the necessary information from the attorney's file to assist in any future appeals or make an offer to provide such information, make it clear that the court-appointed defense attorney is no longer representing the client, and remind the client of any time deadline for the next proceeding. [DR:2-108(D)]

 

Committee Opinion September 13, 1983