Opinion No.

Ms. Didi H. Sallings, Executive Director Arkansas Public Defender Commission 101 East Capitol, Suite 201 Little Rock, Arkansas 72201

Dear Ms. Sallings:

I am writing in response to your request for an opinion on the following two questions:

1. May a full-time public defender who has been elected to the State Legislature continue to serve as a full-time public defender?

2. May a part-time public defender who has been elected to the State Legislature continue to serve as a part-time public defender?

RESPONSE

I have enclosed for your review copies of Ops. Att'y. Gen. 2001-127 and 97-364, which address the questions you pose. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need anything further.

Sincerely,

MARK PRYOR Attorney General

MP:ECW/cyh

Enclosures