Which of the following describes the duties of the Public Defender?

• A. Oversees road construction
• B. Provides legal counsel to indigent defendants
• C. Maintains county records
• D. Enforces environmental regulations

Answer: (B)

Providing legal counsel to people who cannot afford it is what the Public Defender does. When someone lacks the funds for a private attorney, the Public Defender’s Office steps in to defend them in criminal cases, advise on legal options, and protect their constitutional right to representation throughout the process. This includes investigating the case, making strategic decisions, negotiating pleas, and representing the client at hearings and trial to pursue a fair outcome. Other county tasks like overseeing road construction, keeping county records, or enforcing environmental rules are handled by separate departments such as public works, the clerk/recorder, or environmental health agencies, not by the Public Defender. The essence is ensuring the right to counsel for those who can’t afford it.