When Should You Choose to Use a Public Defender?
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, one of the decisions you have to make is whether to hire an attorney to represent you or whether to use a public defender for your case. Learning when you should use a public defender, as well as the pros and cons of using one, can help you with this decision. Here is what you need to know about using a public defender.
When Should You Use a Public Defender?
A public defender is primarily used by those who do not have the financial means to hire an attorney on their own. Criminal defense lawyers can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of your case and how much time a lawyer has to put into their case. Not everyone has the money to invest in a private attorney. However, everyone deserves to have someone who understands the laws in the area and can help defend them against the charges they are facing. This is where public defenders come in. The courts can appoint a public defender to represent you if you don’t have the financial means to hire an attorney for your case.
What are the Benefits of Using a Public Defender?
The biggest benefit to using a public defender is that you have someone familiar with the law and legal terms representing you. This provides you with a better chance of fighting the charges you are facing compared to being on your own without any representation. A public defender can also work on a plea deal for you if this is something you are interested in. Public defenders are a great resource for those who have been arrested but cannot afford a lawyer.
What are the Disadvantages of Using a Public Defender?
The biggest disadvantage to using a public defender is that public defenders usually represent a lot of clients. As such, they may not have that much time to dedicate specifically to your case. It can also be challenging to get ahold of the public defender and schedule meetings. On the other hand, a private lawyer has fewer clients and can dedicate more time to your defense. As such, if you can afford a lawyer, it is best to hire your own. But if you cannot, a public defender is your best option.
Deciding whether to hire a public defender or whether to hire an attorney is only one of the decisions you have to make after being charged with a crime. If you have been arrested and bail has been set, you have to decide which bail company to use to get out. At Free at Last Bail Bonds, we are fully committed to reuniting families. If you or a loved one needs our services, we are here for you 24 hours a day at 470-410-3409.