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 solely because counsel believes the appeal lacks merit. Counsel must instead advocate for the client's appeal through ordinary appellate review, presenting the client's desired issues without misstating facts or law. The court remanded for briefing 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 and cannot be supported by a good-faith legal argument.