Section 649-102-3 - SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION1. Provision of Quality Representation Defense counsel shall provide to their clients quality representation equivalent to that provided by a skilled, knowledgeable and conscientious counsel to retained clients. The paramount obligation of defense counsel is to provide high quality, effective representation and diligent and zealous advocacy for the client at all stages of the representation.
2. Delays; Punctuality; Workload A. Defense counsel should not carry a workload that, by reason of its excessive size, interferes with the rendering of quality representation, endangers the client's interest in the speedy disposition of charge(s), or may lead to the breach of professional obligations.B. Defense counsel should act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client.C. Defense counsel should avoid unnecessary delay in the disposition of cases. Defense counsel should be punctual in attendance at court proceedings and in the submission of all motions, briefs and other papers. Defense counsel should emphasize to the client and all witnesses the importance of punctuality in attendance in court.D. Defense counsel should not knowingly make a false statement of fact or law to the court in order to obtain a continuance.E. Defense counsel should not intentionally use procedural devices for delay for which there is no legitimate basis.94- 649 C.M.R. ch. 102, § 3