Code of Criminal Procedure Article 31

If the accused has not retained a defense attorney in any one of the following circumstances, the presiding judge shall appoint a public defender or attorney for the defendant:1. Where the minimum punishment is no less than three-year imprisonment. 2. Where a high court has jurisdiction over the first instance.3. Where the accused is unable to make a complete statement due to mental disorder or other mental deficiencies.4. Where the accused is an aborigine, and is being prosecuted or is put on trial following normal proceedings.5. Where the accused's income level is low or middle-to-low, and has submitted a request for an appointment of a public defender or attorney.6. Where the presiding judge deems it necessary for the case. If the retained attorney, in the said case as described in the preceding paragraph, without just cause, does not appear in court during the trial dates, the presiding judge may appoint a public defender or attorney.A single public defender may be appointed to represent more than one accused. However, this rule does not apply where there is conflict of interests between the accused.Where after a public defender is appointed, the accused who retains a defense attorney may revoke the appointment.If the accused or suspect, who is unable to make a complete statement due to mental disorder or other mental deficiencies, or who is an aborigine, has not retained a defense attorney during an investigation, the prosecutor, judicial police officer, or judicial police should notify a legally established legal aid agency to assign an attorney for the accused's or suspect's defense. However, if the accused or suspect requests an immediate interrogation or questioning, or if the defense attorney is not present after more than a four-hour wait, the interrogation or questioning may be commenced.