How to Switch From a Public Defender to a Private Criminal Lawyer

It is a common scenario experienced by thousands of criminal defendants all across the state of Indiana. Upon accepting public defense from the court, a defendant will quickly change their mind and decide that private criminal defense is the safer, more reliable route to take with their case. And they are all correct.

Continue below to learn why public defense is not the best choice for legal representation when facing criminal charges, plus how to switch from a public defender to a private lawyer if you also decide that your future and freedoms are too precious to risk.

Local Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Local Criminal Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

The Harsh Reality of Public Defense

Public defenders are real, board-certified lawyers. They are employed under a federal system or publicly-funded public defender’s office and assigned to defendants who cannot afford or wish to pay for a private attorney. 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 private Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer, out-of-pocket.

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, but they do also 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 concerns about their future.

The Easiest Way to Change Attorneys Mid-Case

If you feel like your public defender does not have the ability to fight your criminal charges and protect you against the maximum penalties, like jail and heavy fines, just let them go, but not before hiring a private criminal defense lawyer in their place. That’s all you have to do.

Just hire an experienced and skilled Indianapolis IN criminal lawyer, and they will take over for you, handling all tasks related to your legal needs. They will contact the public defender’s office or write a letter to the judge on your behalf, explaining why you wish to make the switch. This is not a responsibility you want to face on your own.

Are you unhappy with your pubic defender? Or have you changed your mind and want to switch to a more qualified law office? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!

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Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Can I Change Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Before notifying your lawyer that you are dropping them from your case, there are some things you should do first. Continue below to learn which steps to take when you are ready to change criminal defense lawyers, as well as how to determine that you have hired the right attorney for your criminal case.

Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Indiana Criminal Defense 317-636-7514

Changing Lawyers in a Criminal Defense Case

Start by reviewing your contract or retainer agreement to see if there are notes addressing the steps to take to terminate the lawyer-client relationship. Keep in mind that your new attorney may want a copy for themselves.  Also, look for new lawyers before you officially terminate ties with your current lawyer. This can help make the transition process more efficient.

Once you find a new lawyer, you are ready to fire your current one. You can do this by sending a certified or registered letter that plainly states you are ending the lawyer-client relationship, and that your lawyer is to stop working on any pending matters immediately. Avoid going into detail, and keep the message clear and to the point.

Be sure to request all of your files in the letter as well. Or if you prefer, instruct that they cooperate with your new lawyer in transferring all files over. If you have paid your lawyer any fees in advance for work that has not yet been done, you should also ask for a refund. You will also need to request an itemized invoice of any pending fees or payments.

How to Find a Good Criminal Attorney

One of the most important qualities to look for in a criminal defense lawyer is experience. Experience speaks to their level of knowledge in the field of criminal law, as well as their dedication to their practice. Also, a crime lawyer’s reputation is important to consider because you want to know how they treat their clients.

Reading testimonials and reviews from past clients is a great way to grasp an attorney’s character and performance. Furthermore, you need a criminal defense attorney that knows what they are talking about, and is well-versed in your state’s laws surrounding crime. A knowledgeable criminal lawyer has the intellect to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Are you facing criminal charges and wish to reduce or dismiss them in Indiana? Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation with an aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who cares about your rights and your freedoms.

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How to Meet With Your Criminal Lawyer for the First Time
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Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!