2024 California Rules of Court
Rule 7.2230. Counsel for respondent (§§ 5976(c), 5977(a)(3)(A), (a)(5)(C) & (b)(1))
(a) Appointment
If the court finds that the petitioner has made a prima facie showing that the respondent is or may be a person described by section 5972, the court must, in accordance with procedures established by local rule:
(1) Appoint a qualified legal services project as counsel to represent the respondent; or
(2) If no qualified legal services project has agreed to accept CARE Act appointments from the court, appoint a public defender or an attorney acting in that capacity to represent the respondent.
(b) Copy of petition
On appointment, the court must provide a copy of the petition packet to appointed counsel.
(c) Substitution (§ 5977(b)(1))
(1) The court may relieve appointed counsel:
(A) At the request of counsel or the respondent, on substitution of the respondent's own chosen counsel or appointment of substitute counsel; or
(B) For cause, on appointment of substitute counsel.
(2) The respondent must make arrangements for the compensation, if any, of chosen counsel.
Rule 7.2230 adopted effective September 1, 2023.