La. Admin. Code tit. 22 § XV-1117

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section XV-1117 - Counsel's Duty to Investigate

A. Counsel has a duty to conduct a prompt, reasonable and independent investigation at every stage of the proceeding of each case. Counsel should investigate whether the allegations of abuse and/or neglect and disposition are factually and legally correct and the client is aware of potential defenses to the allegations. The parent's attorney cannot rely solely on what the agency caseworker reports about the parent. The attorney could consider contacting service providers who work with the client, relatives who can discuss the parent's care of the child, and the child's teachers or other people who can clarify information relevant to the case.

B. Counsel should interview the client well before each hearing, in time to use client information for the case investigation. The parent's attorney should meet with the parent regularly throughout the case. The meetings should occur well before the hearing, not just at the courthouse before the case is called before the judge. The attorney should ask the client questions to obtain information to prepare the case and strive to create a comfortable environment so the client can ask the attorney questions. The attorney should use these meetings to prepare for court as well as to counsel the client concerning issues that arise during the course of the case.

C. Counsel should consider the necessity to interview the potential witnesses, including any adverse to the accused, as well as witnesses favorable to the accused. Interviews of witnesses adverse to the accused should be conducted in a manner that permits counsel to effectively impeach the witness with statements made during the interview, either by having an investigator present or, if that is not possible, by sending the investigator to conduct the interview.

D. Counsel should make efforts to secure information in the possession of the prosecution or law enforcement authorities, including police reports. Where necessary, counsel should pursue such efforts through formal and informal discovery unless sound tactical reasons exist for not doing so. Counsel should obtain National Crime Information Center or other states' criminal history records for the client and for the prosecution witnesses.

E. Where appropriate, counsel should make a prompt request to the police or investigative agency for any physical evidence or expert reports relevant to the offense or sentencing. Counsel should examine any such physical evidence.

F. Counsel should secure the assistance of experts where it is necessary or appropriate to:

1. the preparation of the defense;

2. adequate understanding of the agency's case; or

3. rebut the agency's case.

La. Admin. Code tit. 22, § XV-1117

Promulgated by the Office of the Governor, Public Defender Board, LR 37:325 (January 2011).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 15:148.