Court Opinion

ID: 9542027
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-07 16:30:46.789452+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:05:59.481939
License: Public Domain

BURKE, Justice,
dissenting in part.
I disagree with the majority’s conclusion that the Alaska Public Defender Agency has standing to maintain the present application.
Following his arraignment in the district court, the defendant contacted the Alaska Public Defender Agency to ask for the assistance of counsel. He was informed that the agency could not represent him unless appointed to do so by the district court. *1111When that court refused his request for appointed counsel, he again contacted the Public Defender Agency to ask for its assistance. Once more he was informed that the agency could not represent him without a court appointment, and it was suggested to him that he write to the superior court. Thus, it is clear that the agency was aware of the charge against the defendant and of his desire to be represented by one of its attorneys. Having made no effort to appear on his behalf in the court below, I think the agency is without standing to maintain the present application.
Otherwise, I concur.