Most public defenders are excellent lawyers with the best of intentions, but they are generally overwhelmed with their caseloads and do not have the time to give each client the attention they deserve. In fact, usually defendants only get to speak with their public defender for a moment or two before each court appearance. What’s more, it’s common for a different public defender to show up every time a defendant appears in court. Since they are paid regardless of whether their clients are convicted or not, there is little incentive for them to represent you aggressively. Your public defender will protect your basic rights but won’t go the extra mile in finding ways to beat your case or get your charges reduced. Furthermore, if you are facing an administrative suspension of your license by the Department of Motor Vehicles, your public defender cannot provide you with any guidance about how to protect your driving privileges.
Secondly, even if no good defense to your charges exists, your lawyer can still protect your rights and your interests by making sure you get the best deal possible. Judges and prosecutors will often try to seek harsher sentences in DUI cases when high BAC levels or prior convictions are involved, and your attorney may be able to persuade them not to do so. In other cases, your lawyer can help you negotiate a plea bargain and get your charges – and any associated penalties – significantly reduced.
Having a legal representative after an arrest means comfort and convenience. Dealing with the criminal justice system after an arrest is a confusing and stressful process. Defendants who try to handle their own cases can make their situations much worse without meaning to. If you are represented by a lawyer, however, they will go to court for you and take care of all the paperwork relevant to your arrest. You may only have to appear in court once for your trial or to finalize any agreement you have made, and many defendants who have legal representation never have to appear in court at all. Furthermore, your lawyer can also make all your post-conviction appearances for you and submit any proof of program completions or progress reports that are necessary.
- Why You Shouldn’t Rely On Public Defenders
Most public defenders are excellent lawyers with the best of intentions, but they are generally overwhelmed with their caseloads and do not have the time to give each client the attention they deserve. In fact, usually defendants only get to speak with their public defender for a moment or two before each court appearance. What’s more, it’s common for a different public defender to show up every time a defendant appears in court. Since they are paid regardless of whether their clients are convicted or not, there is little incentive for them to represent you aggressively. Your public defender will protect your basic rights but won’t go the extra mile in finding ways to beat your case or get your charges reduced. Furthermore, if you are facing an administrative suspension of your license by the Department of Motor Vehicles, your public defender cannot provide you with any guidance about how to protect your driving privileges.
- Protect Yourself Against Enhanced Penalties
Secondly, even if no good defense to your charges exists, your lawyer can still protect your rights and your interests by making sure you get the best deal possible. Judges and prosecutors will often try to seek harsher sentences in DUI cases when high BAC levels or prior convictions are involved, and your attorney may be able to persuade them not to do so. In other cases, your lawyer can help you negotiate a plea bargain and get your charges – and any associated penalties – significantly reduced.
- Having Legal Representation After An Arrest
Having a legal representative after an arrest means comfort and convenience. Dealing with the criminal justice system after an arrest is a confusing and stressful process. Defendants who try to handle their own cases can make their situations much worse without meaning to. If you are represented by a lawyer, however, they will go to court for you and take care of all the paperwork relevant to your arrest. You may only have to appear in court once for your trial or to finalize any agreement you have made, and many defendants who have legal representation never have to appear in court at all. Furthermore, your lawyer can also make all your post-conviction appearances for you and submit any proof of program completions or progress reports that are necessary.