When is the Defence Assistant appointed?

9. When is the Defence Assistant appointed? It is desirable that the IO informs the CO of the latter’s entitlement for having the services of Defence Assistant in the first communication regarding the hearing. As soon as the CO informs the IO of the details of the Defence Assistant, the IO may write to the controlling officer of the Defence Assistant so that the latter could be spared for the first hearing it self. Before formally allowing the person to function as Defence Assistant, O should check and satisfy himself/herself about the number of cases being handled by the defence assistant.