After being arrested or indicted on criminal charges, you may choose to accept the counsel of a public defender, free of charge, or hire a personal criminal defense lawyer, out-of-pocket. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two types of counsel.
Public Defender
If you choose to accept the help of a public defender, you are taking a huge risk with your case. Under the counsel of a public defender, your case is very likely to be handed off to another person or group of people who are unfamiliar with the details of your case. This includes paralegals, assistants, investigators, and more. Not only do they do most of the work for a public defender, they do not take a personal interest in their clients’ cases either. They simply cannot with the massive amounts of traffic they receive. This means every defendant that gets put on their desk is treated as just another name and number, rather than a real person with real feelings.
Private Attorney
A criminal defense lawyer will not be handing your case off, or delegating major duties to someone else. They do all the work and investigation themselves, allowing them to be adept in all areas and details of your case. They have a connection to each client and their case, and works only in the direction of their clients’ best interests. Private attorneys can give more time and attention, and take a personal interest in the outcome of their clients’ cases. Although they are not free of charge, and often costly, it is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make for your future and the future of your family. In order to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms, always choose a criminal defense lawyer with experience.