.png)
If you are in need of an attorney and funds are running low, you might be considering going with a public defender over a private attorney. However, before making a decision it is important to strongly weigh the two options to try to determine which is best for you. There are several factors that should go into choosing between a private lawyer and public defender.
Contact The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter in San Diego to schedule a free consultation.
Do You Want to Select Your Attorney?
One of the downsides of going with a public defender is that you are not able to select who will represent you. Instead, the Office of the Public Defender will appoint you a lawyer. If you wish to take some agency in who will represent you, then you should go with a private attorney.
Do You Want to Be a Priority?
Public Defenders are obligated to take any and all cases of individuals who request their services. They do not have the luxury of being picky in what cases they choose to work or what their caseload will be. This can lead to a large workload, and because of this Public Defenders can be overworked and unable to give all of their clients the time and attention they need. Conversely, private attorneys only take cases they are passionate about and can give each client the time and attention they deserve.
Do You Want to Resolve Your Case Quickly?
Private attorneys can generally get your case heard in court quickly and will take your schedule into account when arranging court dates. Since they are not taking as many clients and usually have a good relationship with courtroom administrators, they get priority in terms of scheduling court dates. With a public attorney, you will likely have to wait to get your day in court, and it will be a random time and place, without much regard for your schedule.
Do You Want a Track Record of Success in the Courtroom?
As previously mentioned, private lawyers get to be picky when it comes to the cases they take on, and if they agree to work a case it means they think they have a good chance of winning. Therefore, if a private attorney agrees to take on your case, they likely think you have a pretty good chance of winning and see an angle that they feel will prove successful. Public Defenders are required to take a case regardless of whether they actually think you can win or not.
What Do You Want to Pay for a Lawyer?
While not necessarily free, Public Defenders can be significantly cheaper than a private attorney. Some private attorneys will try to match the price of a Public Defender, but if they have to resort to lowering prices to get business, they are likely not very good at their job. A good private attorney who is willing to give you a big chunk of their time and knowledge is not going to be cheap, but you pay for what you get. If you want to save money, just know that when you pay less you get less of everything, including skill level, time, knowledge, experience, and savvy.
Private Attorneys in San Diego at The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter
If you want to win your case, then you should really get a private attorney. While everyone may not be able to afford a private attorney, it is hard to put a price on success. At The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter, we have a track record of success representing clients in both criminal and personal injury cases. If you are interested in a free consultation, we can discuss your case and potential pricing. To learn more, give us a call.
