D.P.R. Loc. Cr. R. 162

(a) Appearances.

An attorney's signature to a pleading shall constitute an appearance. Otherwise, an attorney

who wishes to participate in any manner in any action must file a formal written appearance. An

appearance whether by pleading or formal written appearance shall be signed by an attorney in his

or her individual name and shall state his or her office address, email addresses, and telephone

number.

(b) Withdrawals in General.

No attorney may withdraw an appearance in any action pending except by leave of court. A

defense attorney in any criminal case shall continue the representation until relieved by order of this

court. In the absence of the appearance of substitute counsel, a motion to withdraw shall set forth

sufficient information to enable the court to rule. The information may be filed under seal, submitted

to the court in camera, and shall not be made part of the public record, except by order of the court.

(c) Trial Counsel’s Duty to Continue to Represent Defendant on Appeal Until

Relieved by the Court of Appeals.

An attorney who has represented a defendant in a criminal case through sentencing before

the district court will be responsible for representing the defendant on appeal, whether or not the

attorney has entered an appearance in the court of appeals, until the attorney in relieved of such duty

by the court of appeals.

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