If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime, securing the best legal defense possible is undoubtedly a top consideration. If you are considering the difference between a public defender and a private criminal defense lawyer, you need to understand the best option for your charges, freedom, and future.
Although a public defender will generally be appointed after you have been arrested, a private attorney could be hired while you are under investigation and may be able to stop those charges from being filed or reduce them to a lesser charge. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can explain your rights and options during a free case evaluation so you can determine the best path forward.
What to Expect With a Public Defender
There are some vital differences between working with a public defender versus a private criminal defense lawyer. The court will designate a public defender to handle your case if you cannot afford a private attorney. You cannot choose which public defender you get, and the court-appointed attorney who is assigned to you will generally have a tremendous caseload.
You may not even get to meet your court-appointed attorney to discuss your case before your first court appearance. You may even feel like taking a plea deal is your only option.
Most public defenders work incredibly hard for their clients, but they often have large caseloads and limited resources. Unfortunately, the significant volume of cases often means that some defendants feel that they do not receive the individualized time, attention, and experience they deserve. And if you are not satisfied with your court-appointed attorney, getting a new public defender assigned to your case can be extremely difficult.
Benefits of Hiring a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case
Securing representation from a private criminal defense lawyer is different than with a public defender for several reasons. The main reason is that you get to choose the private lawyer who you want to represent you based on their experience, reputation, skill, and results.
A public defender’s caseload makes it difficult to provide the same amount of personalized time and attention to your case. By hiring a private attorney, you can ensure that you have a lawyer with proven experience and knowledge defending clients in cases similar to yours.
You should look for a private attorney who has the resources to launch a thorough investigation into your charge, collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and examine every possibility to build your defense. You can also ensure you have a lawyer who is accessible to answer your questions and has a hands-on approach throughout your entire case.
The cost of hiring a private attorney can vary widely depending on the:
- Type of charge you are facing
- Experience, background, and experience of your lawyer
- Complexity of the case
- Jurisdiction in which the case is taking place
A lawyer can clarify pricing and fee structure during a no-obligation case evaluation so you can understand all your options.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The right to legal counsel is one of the fundamental rights provided by the U.S. Constitution. Even if you cannot afford a lawyer after being charged with a criminal offense, you have a right to a court-appointed lawyer. Unfortunately, there are limitations on the right to counsel.
You have the right to a court-appointed attorney only if you are charged with a crime and are qualified as indigent. While public defenders play a vital role in the nation’s judicial system, they are generally overworked and underpaid.
A private criminal defense attorney can step in from the earliest stages of your case and put their knowledge, experience, and legal tenacity to work on your behalf. If you would like to learn more about what our private legal defenders can do for you, call Price Benowitz today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Any result the lawyer or law firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.