In this economic recession, many defendants find themselves eligible for the services of a public defender yet weary of the attorney’s capabilities. These state-paid attorneys, often called “public pretenders” are often unfairly branded as incompetent lawyers. In reality, many public defenders provide outstanding services to the accused. So if public defenders are so great, why should anyone hire a private criminal defense attorney? Here are a few reasons…
Time. Public defenders have increasing case loads, now more than ever. Due to the economy, defendants are turning to public service attorneys over private attorneys because they cannot afford the fees. As a result, public defenders get stuck with too many cases to handle, driving down the quality of their representation. Oftentimes a public defender will not even look at your case until you arrive to court. The attorney may not want to fully explore your defenses or may simply convince you that the first offer is a “great deal” so he or she can tackle the dozens of other cases after yours.
Choice. You do not get to choose who your public defender is. A large part of hiring private counsel is the ability to screen for an attorney who makes you feel comfortable. Being charged with a criminal offense is never a pleasant experience. As such, you need an attorney who will put you at ease and make you feel comfortable in making the decisions affecting your future.
No Implied Consent Representation. If you are charged with a DWI, a public defender cannot represent your implied consent challenge (also referred to as the “civil” side or the “license” portion of a DWI case). The only way to recover your suspended license is to hire a private attorney.
It is common sense that everyone wants a skilled lawyer to handle their case. Oftentimes clients feel that they have no choice but to team with a public defender because private fees are simply too high. Our law firm has the reputation of providing exceptional legal defense at competitive rates. We also offer flexible payment plans to our valued clients. Speak to our managing attorney directly at (612) 338-5007 for a pressure-free case evaluation or simply fill out the “Free Consultation” form to the left of this screen. An attorney will respond to you within 12 hours.
