Disadvantages of Working With a Public Defender

If you’re facing a criminal charge, it’s difficult to know what steps to take next. You’ve must decide whether it’s best to plead guilt or innocence. You must decide whether to accept a punishment the prosecutor recommends. Most importantly, you’ve got to decide what to do about legal representation.

A public defender is “free” while a private criminal defense attorney is—-private. Let’s consider some of the disadvantages of working with a public defender when your life and liberty are at risk:

A public defender in New Jersey typically manages hundreds of cases at a time. Many people can’t afford to hire a private attorney, so the public defender must attempt to manage a large caseload.

Because public defenders’ caseloads are so large, it’s common for him or her to plead out cases.

The most important disadvantage of working with a public defender is that you aren’t given a choice of legal representation. The court appoints an available public defender. If you’re unhappy with the public defender’s performance, it’s probably going to be difficult to get a new public defender.

In fact, some defendants find it very challenging to work with their public defender.

A private criminal defense attorney has fewer cases to manage than a public defender. That means the client benefits. There’s time for the attorney and client to become acquainted. A better understanding can enable the attorney to discover details that aid the client’s defense. The private defense attorney also has the ability to search for flaws in the prosecution’s case.

There’s no time to waste if you have been accused of a serious crime. Contact The Law Offices of John W. Tumelty, New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, to schedule a review of your case.