One of the most important rights granted by the U.S. Constitution is the one to be represented by an attorney. Whenever someone is read their Miranda warning after being arrested, they are told that if they cannot afford an attorney the state will provide them with one at no charge. This is an exceptionally valuable right.
The Pros and Cons of Public Defenders
Pros
* Public defenders are appointed by the court at no charge to the defendant.
* Appointed attorneys are no more or less skilled than an attorney that you select and hire yourself from a criminal law firm in Mesa, AZ
Cons
* Public defenders typically have much heavier caseloads that private attorneys. No matter how well-intentioned a public defender may be, there are still only 24 hours in a day. They cannot spend as much time on a case as a lawyer hired directly by the defendant.
* It’s possible that a defendant will only see their public defender at court hearings. Typically, there is no time to prepare a thorough defense strategy or funds to hire a private investigator.
* Every day, a public defender may have new cases added to an already overwhelming caseload.
* A public defender may or may not have experience with your type of case.
* Only a few cases will actually go to trial. Most cases will be settled with a plea agreement.
* The defendant has the last word on deciding whether or not to accept a plea deal but is in a tough position. It’s fairly common for people choosing a public defender to be unable to make bail. They’re sitting in jail alone and trying to figure out what they should do.
* It’s very difficult to get a new public defender if you aren’t happy with the lawyer appointed for you.
* Many young attorneys become public defenders to gain experience.
Hiring Your Own Attorney
* You choose your own attorney, who will be experienced and have support staff to assist with the case.
* A private attorney has the time to work with you and develop an effective defense strategy.
* The Justice Policy Institute found that, on average, cases represented by private lawyers had better outcomes.
The law firm of Janet R. Feeley, L.L.C. has been providing aggressive legal representation for 12 years. When your liberty and reputation are stake, call this criminal law firm in Mesa, AZ at 480-897-0044 for a free consultation or visit .
