THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE IS TO REPRESENT THOSE ACCUSED IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHO ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD COUNSEL IN THE CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE COURTS AND IN MENTAL HEALTH COMMITMENT PROCEEDINGS. UNDER ITS STATUTE, THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE REPRESENTATION FOR UP TO 60 PERCENT OF THE PERSONS WHO ARE ANNUALLY DETERMINED TO BE FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE REPRESENTATION. RELATED FUNCTIONS OF THE SERVICE INCLUDE: THE APPEAL OF CASES OF CLIENTS REPRESENTED BY THE AGENCY; LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND REPRESENTATION FOR INMATES AT THE LORTON CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX IN CRIMINAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS; SERVICE TO THE LOCAL BAR THROUGH INFORMATION, CONSULTATION, USE OF THE LIBRARY AND PROVISION OF INVESTIGATIVE AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES; THE RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS AND PAID LAW STUDENTS AS INVESTIGATORS TO AID COUNSEL REPRESENTING THE INDIGENT IN CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE CASES; DIVERSION OF SOME ACCUSED OUT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM OR SHORTENING THEIR INVOLVEMENT OR INCARCERATION THROUGH COUNSELING, JOB DEVELOPMENT, AND OTHER REHABILITATIVE ASSISTANCE; ASSISTANCE TO THE COURTS IN COORDINATING THE SYSTEM FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF PRIVATE COUNSEL FOR CLIENTS IN CRIMINAL AND JUVENILE CASES NOT REPRESENTED BY THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE. APPENDIXES PRESENT STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON CASES REPRESENTED BY PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE ATTORNEYS IN FISCAL YEAR 1976, DURING THE TRANSITION QUARTER, AND A STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS EXPENDITURES AND OBLIGATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICE DURING THE 15 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1976 AND YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1975. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED).