Rule 29.7 County May Select Method of Providing Counsel

Counties have a choice in how they provide free lawyers to people who cannot afford one when facing felony charges. They can set up a public defender's office, work with a legal aid organization, or hire private attorneys, among other options.

No matter which method a county picks, the goal is the same: people who cannot pay for a lawyer must still get proper legal help when charged with a serious crime. The county just gets to decide the best way to make that happen in their area.