IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR HARDEE, HIGHLANDS AND POLK COUNTIES, FLORIDA

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2-14.0

COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEYS IN CONFLICT CASES

WHEREAS, in Chapter 82-215, the Laws of Florida 1982, the Florida Legislature appropriated certain funds in the state budgets of the Public Defenders to assist the counties in defraying the expenses of court appointed attorney fees in conflict cases and

WHEREAS, in order for the counties to be reimbursed for court appointed attorney fees, it is first necessary for the Public Defender to be appointed to criminal indigency cases and, in the evennt of conflict, for him to so declare and move to withdraw, therey creating a requirement for the court to appoint private defense counsel.

WHEREAS, it appears that the above cited law will prohibit the counties from claiming state reimbursement for court apponted attorney fees when the court, on its own motion, appoints private criminal defense counsel.

THEREFORE, it is ORDERED and DIRECTED that in criminal cases involving indigent or partially indigent defendants or guvenile delinquent efendants, the presiding judge will, whenever feaible, appoint the Public Defender to represent the defendant(s).

DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers at Bartow, Polk County, Florida, this 22nd day of June, 1982.

THOMAS M. LANGSTON, Chief Judge