3:8-3. Representation by Public Defender

The criminal division manager's office shall receive applications for services of the Public Defender and shall determine indigence. A defendant who qualifies for service shall be referred to the Office of the Public Defender no later than the pre-arraignment interview. The defense counsel appointed by the Office of the Public Defender shall promptly file an appearance. Representation of a defendant by the Office of the Public Defender shall continue through direct appeal from conviction, post-conviction proceedings for which the Rules of Court provide assigned counsel, and appeals from those proceedings.