Should I Ask for a Public Defender?

If you or a relative has been arrested or charged with a crime you have the right to an attorney of your choosing. However, if you cannot afford to hire an attorney and you qualify under Florida law for the appointment of a public defender, you may ask the judge to appoint you a public defender. In certain misdemeanor and traffic cases you are not entitled by law to the appointment of a public defender, however, you will always have the right to hire your own criminal lawyer at your own expense. In felony cases you are always entitled to a public defender should you qualify under law.

Am I Required to Hire a Criminal Attorney?

It is not necessary that you have a lawyer. You can always act as your own lawyer. However, considering the seriousness of criminal offenses and the impact they have on the rest of your life, it is certainly wise to consult with a lawyer before deciding to go it alone. Many criminal defense lawyers in the Central Florida area will provide a free consultation or otherwise provide free information to help you determine if you want to have a lawyer.

How Can I Obtain a Public Defender?

A public defender is appointed by a judge. You cannot just obtain the public defender or ask for their help. They will require the appropriate judge to appoint their office to represent you. Once you are appointed a public defender, you do not have the right to choose who that public defender will be. You may end up with the same public defender during the course of your entire case or it may occur that several public defenders will rotate in and out of your case.

Are Public Defenders Inferior Lawyers?

Many people think that public defenders are inferior lawyers. That is not true. There are many qualified public defenders. There are many experienced public defenders. Many public defenders truly care about their clients and their cases. However, public defenders are stretched thin over a large number of clients on a weekly basis. Therefore, it is up to you to decide whether it is in your best interest or the best interest of your friend or relative to use a public defender.