§ 20-64-823 - Filing of petition -- Legal representation.
20-64-823. Filing of petition -- Legal representation.
The petition may be filed by the local prosecuting attorney, an attorney representing the petitioner, or pro se. The county shall establish an indigency fund to permit the petitioner to request a court-appointed attorney by filing an affidavit of indigency. The attorney may be allowed a fee of up to one hundred fifty dollars ($150). Should the probate court designate a probate judge in Pulaski County, Arkansas, to hear petitions filed for additional periods of commitment pursuant to this subchapter, the Office of Prosecutor Coordinator shall appear for and on behalf of the petitioner and the State of Arkansas before the judge, provided that the hearing is held on the grounds of the Arkansas State Hospital at Little Rock. The representation shall be a part of the official duties of the Prosecutor Coordinator. However, nothing in this section shall prevent the petitioner from retaining his or her own counsel. Thereupon, the Prosecutor Coordinator shall be relieved of the duty to represent the petitioner.