Your decision to use a public defender could drastically affect the outcome of your case. If you are facing criminal charges, consider the following risks before working with a public defender.
They Aren’t Actually Free.
If you cannot afford a private attorney, you can apply to use a public defender. Once your application is approved, the court will assign a public defender to your case. However, this does not necessarily mean there will be no fees. The court may require you to reimburse some of the attorney costs. The specific amount depends on the verdict of your case and the details of your sentence.
They Deal with Hundreds of Cases at a Time.
Unlike private attorneys, public defenders receive their caseloads from the court and are typically overworked. Some handle more than 100 cases at a time. This means they have limited time to devote to your case, and may not be able to build a solid defensive strategy before your court date.
They Aren’t Specialized in One Area of Law.
From DUIs to vandalism, public defenders handle a variety of criminal cases. Because of this, they cannot specialize in any specific areas of criminal law. If your public defender hasn't handled many cases involving criminal charges like yours, you could pay the price with your freedom.
They Lack Resources to Build a Solid Defense.
A strong defensive strategy takes time and resources to build. Attorneys often hire experts to help investigate the details of your case. Unfortunately, public defenders do not have the funds, staff, or resources to conduct this level of investigation, which can affect your defense.
Our Dutchess County Criminal Defense Lawyers Have the Resources to Help You.
At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, we believe every person should have access to dedicated and compassionate legal representation. This is why our criminal defense team works diligently to get the most beneficial outcome for every client. Our attorneys have the resources to explore every avenue of your case and prioritize you by maintaining a lighter caseload. We have dozens of 5-star reviews and offer free consultations.
Your criminal case deserves unique and focused attention from an experienced legal team. Contact our Dutchess County criminal defense attorneys today at the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC: (845) 605-4330.