Art. 4544.  Appointment of attorney

A.  If the defendant makes no timely appearance through an attorney, the petitioner shall apply for an order appointing an attorney to represent the defendant.  Pursuant to such a motion, or on its own motion, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the defendant. If the defendant either retains his own attorney, or intelligently and voluntarily waives the assistance of an attorney, the court shall discharge the court-appointed attorney.  The court-appointed attorney shall represent the defendant until discharged by the court.

B.  The attorney representing a defendant shall personally visit the defendant, unless such visit is excused by the court for good cause. To the extent possible, the attorney shall discuss with the defendant the allegations in the petition, the relevant facts and law, and the rights and options of the defendant regarding the disposition of the case.  Failure of the attorney to perform any of the duties imposed by this Paragraph shall not affect the validity of the proceeding, but may subject the attorney to sanctions.

Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 25, §3, eff. July 1, 2001.