Minnesota § 611.18 - APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENDER
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 611.18 — APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENDER, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 611.18. APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENDER
If it appears to a court that a person requesting the appointment of counsel satisfies the requirements of this chapter, the court shall order the public defender to represent the person. For a person appealing from a conviction, or a person pursuing a postconviction proceeding and who has not already had a direct appeal of the conviction, according to the standards of sections 611.14, clause (2), and 611.25, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), the chief appellate public defender shall be appointed. For a person covered by section 611.14, clause (1), (3), or (4), the chief district public defender shall be appointed to represent that person. If at any stage of the proceedings the court finds that the defendant is financially unable to pay counsel whom the defendant had retained, the court may appoint the public defender to represent the defendant, as provided in this section. Prior to any court appearance, a public defender may represent a person accused of violating the law, who appears to be financially unable to obtain counsel, and shall continue to represent the person unless it is subsequently determined that the person is financially able to obtain counsel. The representation may be made available at the discretion of the public defender, upon the request of the person or someone on the person's behalf. Any law enforcement officer may notify the public defender of the arrest of any such person.
History:
1965 c 869 s 5; 1969 c 655 s 2; 1983 c 247 s 214; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 345 art 3 s 4; 1Sp2003 c 2 art 3 s 5; 2012 c 212 s 12
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 611.18
What does Minnesota Statutes § 611.18 cover?
Section 611.18 ("APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENDER") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 611.18?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 611.18" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 611.18 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.