46-8-103. Duration of assignment. (1) When counsel has been assigned, the assignment is effective until final judgment, including any proceeding upon direct appeal to the Montana supreme court, unless relieved by order of the court that assigned counsel or that has jurisdiction over the case.

(2) If counsel determines that an appeal would be frivolous or wholly without merit, counsel shall file a motion with the court requesting permission to withdraw. The motion must attest that counsel has concluded that an appeal would be frivolous or wholly without merit after reviewing the entire record and researching applicable statutes, case law, and rules and that the defendant has been advised of counsel's decision and of the defendant's right to file a response. The motion to withdraw must be accompanied by a memorandum discussing any issues that arguably support an appeal. The memorandum must include a summary of the procedural history of the case and any jurisdictional problems with the appeal, together with appropriate citations to the record and to the pertinent statutes, case law, and procedural rules bearing upon each issue discussed in the memorandum. Upon filing the motion and memorandum with the court, counsel's certificate of mailing must certify that copies of each filing were mailed to the local county attorney, the attorney general's office, and the defendant. The defendant is entitled to file a response with the court.