A.l.l. and D.z., Petitioners v. the People of the State of Colorado, Respondent. C.z., in the Interest of Minor Child

Summary

The court held that appointed counsel representing an indigent parent with a statutory right to appeal a termination order may not withdraw merely because counsel considers the appeal meritless. Counsel must continue as an advocate, file a compliant petition on appeal, and present the parent's best arguments, while accurately stating the facts and law. The court remanded for further proceedings consistent with that rule. Justice Eid, joined by Justice Rice, dissented, arguing that counsel should be permitted to withdraw when the appeal is wholly frivolous under the professional-conduct rules.