Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

Legal Representation

39.   Child to be provided with an attorney-at-law

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    (1)   A child must be provided with an attorney-at-law by the State at the conclusion of an initial inquiry if no attorney-at-law was appointed by the parent or an appropriate adult and if —

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      (a)     it is determined by the Director that the parent of the child or the appropriate adult in charge of the child cannot afford to pay an attorney-at-law;

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      (b)     the child is in detention pending plea and trial in the High Court;

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      (c)     the proceedings is postponed for plea and trial in the Court and it is likely that a sentence involving a residential requirement may be imposed if the child is found guilty of the offence in question; or

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      (d)     the child is over the age of twelve years and under the age of fourteen years and a certificate is issued under section 5(3) in respect of the child.

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    (2)   The Director of Public Prosecutions shall indicate to the Court whether he or she is of the opinion that the matter is a matter under subsection (1)(b) before the child is asked to plead and if so, a plea must not be taken until an attorney-at law is appointed.