State ex rel. Escambia County v. Behr

ERVIN, Judge.

The Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, in. six non-capital felony cases, filed motions to withdraw, citing excessive caseload and his inability to render effective representation on behalf of the defendants. Petitioner sought writ of mandamus to compel the Public Defender to represent the defendants in the six eases. The writ was denied, and the motions to withdraw were granted. Petitioner now seeks writ of certiorari before this court, contending the Public Defender may not shirk his statutory duties by withdrawing as counsel.

Section 27.51(1), Florida…