Public defense should be provided at no cost to any person who is financially unable to obtain adequate representation without substantial burden or undue hardship. Persons should be screened for eligibility in a manner that ensures information provided remains confidential. The process of applying for public defense services should not be complicated or burdensome, and persons in custody or receiving public assistance should be deemed eligible for public defense services absent contrary evidence. Jurisdictions should not charge an application fee for public defense services, nor should persons who qualify for public defense services be required to contribute to or reimburse defense services.