Indigent Defense Standards

Indigent defense standards are guidelines that ensure people who cannot afford a lawyer receive fair legal representation in criminal cases. These standards specify the quality and resources that public defenders or appointed attorneys must provide, such as adequate time to prepare, knowledgeable staff, and proper investigation of cases. The goal is to guarantee that financial hardship does not compromise someone’s right to a fair trial, aligning public defense services with the same legal protections as private attorneys. Essentially, they set a baseline for quality and fairness in representing those who lack financial means.