Yes, state-mandated lawyers, also known as public defenders, are obligated to fully and truly represent their clients. Public defenders are lawyers appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford their own legal representation. They have the same professional and ethical obligations as any other lawyer, including the duty to provide competent representation, maintain client confidentiality, and act in their clients' best interests.
Public defenders must provide the same level of representation as private lawyers, including conducting investigations, preparing and presenting evidence, and advocating for their clients in court. They must also communicate with their clients and keep them informed about the status of their case.
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to counsel, and courts have consistently held that public defenders have a duty to provide effective representation to their clients. This means that public defenders must work diligently and competently to represent their clients, regardless of the complexity of the case or the seriousness of the charges.
While public defenders may face resource constraints and heavy caseloads, they are still required to provide competent representation and work diligently to ensure that their clients receive a fair trial.