ARTICLE 23
PUBLIC DEFENDER

    Section 2301. Public Defender; appointment. There shall be an office of the Public Defender headed by an attorney duly admitted to the practice of law in the State. The Public Defender shall be appointed by the County Executive, subject to confirmation by the County Legislature as provided in Section 302(c) of this Charter, and serve at the pleasure of the County Executive. The Public Defender shall have the power to appoint such assistant public defenders and employees as may be authorized by the County Legislature and within the appropriations made for such purpose.

    Section 2302. Division of Alternate Public Defender; appointments. There shall be a Division of Alternate Public Defender to provide representation for indigent-defendants who qualify for representation by the Public Defender's Office under state law, but where a conflict of interests precludes the Public Defender's office from providing representation. The Alternate Public Defender shall be appointed by the County Executive, subject to confirmation by the County Legislature as provided in Section 302(c) of this Charter, and serve at the pleasure of the County Executive.  The County Executive shall have the power to appoint such assistant alternate public defenders and employees as may be authorized by the County Legislature and within the appropriations made for such purpose. The assistant alternate public defenders shall serve at the pleasure of the County Executive.