Do public defenders give you proper representation?

Question

or do they do just a half a ss job?and dont really care about defending you.

Thanks Phil up on misdemeanor charge, and i didnt really get to explain my side of the story, she got my offense lowered but i didnt like the outcome so im taking it to a bench trial and hiring my own lawyer.Im being accused of misdemeanor stalking for threatening a friend that ripped me off on a construction job, its been going back and fourth for a year, kinda like hatfield mccoy. He threatened me also and he isnt charged with stalking. public defender got my case reduced to phone intimidation and possible alcohol counseling. I have clean record and i was hoping to get it put under review or advisement and cut my losses and move on.

Answer 1

We have seven public defenders in our county, and there are other attorneys who get assigned cases as public defenders if the need arises. After being on the state side on cases argued by these attorneys, I think they do a great job. There are a few that I think are better than the others, but I would feel confident having any of these people on my side.

Answer 2

In many states, public defenders are attorneys who are hired by the state's public defender system, and are very skilled criminal defense lawyers. All attorneys are expected to zealously represent their clients to the best of their ability. The problem with public defenders is they are horribly overworked. Many of them have 3 or 4 times the caseload that an average private attorney would have, with clients who often are ungradeful, uncooperative, and in general angry at everyone, including their lawyer.

The reason that many people have the perception that public defenders don't care is that often the level of communication with a public defender isn't that one would get at a private attorney. The public defender may have a caseload of several hundred clients at any one time, and literally does not have time to do the same type of communication and hand-holding that private attorneys do.

If you are facing criminal charges, often the best lawyer will be a public defender, but may not seem so due to communication issues. So, you may want to hire a private attorney. For a referral, contact your local or state bar association.