I am on probation for possession of pot. I suffer from depression and I have no car and no job (interviewing and thinking of going back to school). I missed one probation appointment because I tried to walk 10 blocks and my shoe broke. I had no phone to call. When I got to a phone I called but they said "too late" and revoked my probation. The atty who represented me the first time wants $750 which I would have to borrow to represent me. I have proof I had no phone, that I have no car, that I've paid my fines, done my community service and started my drug classes and only missed this one appointment (although the court papers say I've done none of the above) -- do I really need a high powered defense attorney or should I trust a public defender?
2007-01-04 07:56:47 · 9 answers · asked by it's me 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Contrary to popular opinion, a public defender can be your best friend. They know the courts, the types of charges, and most importantly, the judges you'll be dealing with.
2007-01-04 08:04:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon your jurisdiction. Many places have very quality, hard working public defenders who can represent you just as well as a private criminal attorney. Many places have these same quality people, but their case load is so high that, although they'd like to represent you as well as a quality private attorney, they can't. Many other places farm out public defense work to private attorneys who get appointments on a "pay per service" basis, so it's in their best interest to spend no time with you whatsoever. That's bad. Other places hire really inexperienced people and have no training. That's bad.
Ask around to see what the PD system is like in your region/state. Since you're disputing facts (c.s., drug classes, fines) and have a unique situation (only missed one appointment) this may be worth a fight, and the PD may not have the time or resources to help you fight. ON the other hand, they're often quite good at knowing the inside track.
Good luck.
2007-01-04 08:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The P&P office dont care if your leg fell off, they would want you to crawl there. However, dont do a public defender because they are already over worked and underpaid which means your case will add to their stress and you need someone who WANTS your case.
Shop around, different attys have different prices and all offer a free consultation.
But 750 for a retainer is pretty normal if it was a first time case, however he represented you before so that is a lil high I think. I would get in the phone book call some attys who handle this and get prices, or make appt for consultations and find out what you can do w/ the money you can afford to pay
2007-01-04 08:07:10 · answer #3 · answered by teresadick30 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Walking ten blocks barefooted should have been the thing to do, that is no excuse. Barefoot or probation revoked, you made your own choice. $750.00 for a lawyer is cheap.. If the court papers say you have no proof, who am I to really think is telling the truth here. If you do indeed have all this proof, you need a attorney to file all this. As far as a public defender, he can do the same thing. Courts take this type thing serious, next time, crawl if you have too, but be there.
2007-01-04 08:14:43 · answer #4 · answered by m c 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends upon your jurisdiction, but in most places you are just as well off, or better, with the public defender than with an attorney off the street, no matter how "high powered" (and I doubt that you are getting a lot of juice for $750). Be sure that your receipts for your fines are in order, and that you have proof of your community service and drug classes.
2007-01-04 08:41:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The public defender will tell you to plead guilty to a lesser charge. I got into a fair amount of trouble in my youth and my lawyer's all spent 5 seconds and told me to plead guilty . I never once went to trial and was screwed. Pay the money and get a good lawyer.
2007-01-07 18:23:52 · answer #6 · answered by sincity usa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
trust a public defender? ARE YOU ******* NUTS!!!!!!!!
NO DONT TRUST THEM! TRUSTING A PAID FOR LAWYER IS GOOD.
Man i am in the same boat, My truck was reposed and they found weed, So i have NO car, Drug charge, but i did find a job, and i know how it sucks, BUT man GET A GOOD LAWYER, It is your life we are talking about here, If you don't mind spending the 6 months ( 180 Days ) in jail then go with a lawyer that really don't care about you.
2007-01-04 08:02:08 · answer #7 · answered by remailer000 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
go with the public defender, and supply all your documentation to the courts. Court papers are noted for being misfiled or late.
2007-01-04 08:05:36 · answer #8 · answered by judy r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You couldn't make the appt b/c your shoe broke?...LOL. Now that's an excuse I have not heard before!
Will you make your classes on time...or show up to work on time?....Geez...Get your act to together, make your appts...then you wouldn't have to pay an attorney.
Oh....and get a job!
2007-01-04 08:07:30 · answer #9 · answered by kissmybum 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋