Alabama § 31-2A-38 - (Article 38.) Duties of Trial Counsel and Defense Counsel.

§ 31-2A-38. (Article 38.) Duties of Trial Counsel and Defense Counsel.

(a) The trial counsel of a general or special court-martial shall prosecute in the name of the state, and, under the direction of the court, shall prepare the record of the proceedings.

(b)(1) The accused has the right to be represented in defense before a general or special court-martial or at an investigation under Section 31-2A-32 (Article 32) as provided in this subsection.

(2) The accused may be represented by civilian counsel at the provision and expense of the accused.

(3) The accused may be represented by either of the following:

a. Military counsel detailed under Section 31-2A-27 (Article 27).

b. Military counsel of the accused’s own selection if that counsel is reasonably available as determined under subdivision (7).

(4) If the accused is represented by civilian counsel, military counsel detailed or selected under subdivision (3) shall act as associate counsel unless excused at the request of the accused.

(5) Except as provided under subdivision (6), if the accused is represented by military counsel of his or her own selection under paragraph (3)b., any military counsel detailed under paragraph (3)a. shall be excused.

(6) The accused is not entitled to be represented by more than one military counsel. However, the individual authorized under rules prescribed under Section 31-2A-27 (Article 27) to detail counsel, in that individual’s sole discretion:

a. May detail additional military counsel as assistant defense counsel.

b. If the accused is represented by military counsel of the accused’s own selection under paragraph (3)b., may approve a request from the accused that military counsel detailed under paragraph (3)a. act as associate defense counsel.

(7) The State Staff Judge Advocate of the same force of which the accused is a member shall determine whether the military counsel selected by an accused is reasonably available.

(c) In any court-martial proceeding resulting in a conviction, the defense counsel may do any of the following:

(1) Forward for attachment to the record of proceedings a brief of such matters as counsel determines should be considered on behalf of the accused on review, including any objection to the contents of the record which counsel considers appropriate.

(2) Assist the accused in the submission of any matter under Section 31-2A-60 (Article 60).

(3) Take other action authorized by this code.