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
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How to Change Criminal Defense Lawyers Midstream

Any relationship can start off on the right foot, but eventually begin to show signs of incompatibility. When it comes to professional relationships, like the one with your criminal defense lawyer, the same possibility can apply. In fact, many clients find themselves longing for new legal representation, whether because their current lawyer is not meeting certain professional expectations, or for the simple fact that they do not feel a solid lawyer-client connection.

If you are currently a client of a criminal defense attorney who is just not feeling like the right fit for your legal matters, you do have the option of switching counsel. However, there are some factors that can affect the circumstances of making such a switch, from the amount of time your case has been active, to the cooperation of your soon-to-be former lawyer.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about changing criminal defense lawyers, midstream.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Switching Criminal Defense Lawyers

Changing criminal defense lawyers will not harm your case, overall. It is common for clients to switch legal representation midstream for a number of reasons. Lack of communication, unprofessional behavior, disagreements in case direction, and similar inadequacies are frequent reasons why this happens.

Finding a Reputable Replacement

When you are ready to move on to a new criminal defense lawyer, your first step is to find a reputable replacement in your city. See our blog, “How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer” to learn how to get started on the right track. Once you have found a new criminal defense law firm to take your case, you can relish in relief, as they will take on the duty of arranging the change.

Your new lawyer will contact your former lawyer to notify them of the switch. From there, the two lawyers will set a time to complete the handoff of client information and all other related data. Afterwards, a new meeting is scheduled for all three parties (you and the two lawyers) to sit down and discuss payment owed to the former lawyer, if any at all.

Paying Your Former Lawyer

The amount of money you will owe to your former criminal defense lawyer will depend on several factors, many of which are influenced by state laws. Common factors that will affect this amount include the current stage of the case, how many hours they have already spent working on the case, and how much you have already paid. If money is owed to your former criminal defense lawyer, you will have to pay them in full. To ensure payment, some states allow criminal defense attorneys to put a lien on the proceeds they are owed. This will usually take place in small claims court as a civil matter.

Get Started ASAP to Protect Yourself

If you are not happy with your current criminal defense, whether a private paid lawyer or a public defender, it is vital that you make a switch as soon as possible. Your future and your freedom depend on the quality of your criminal defense attorney. Be sure to hire a seasoned and aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights and preserve your freedom, and obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Without a lawyer on your side, you have a severe and massive risk of being sentenced to the maximum penalties for your criminal charges, including major fines and long-term jail time.

An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Who Will Fight For You

Call 317-636-7514 to discuss your issues with your current legal representation with David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law. He is an aggressive and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to help you through the process of changing lawyers, and then build you a stronger and more impactful defense against your Indiana criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.

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