They graduate from law school
They pass the Bar Exam
Yes they are overworked and may not be as dedicated to your case as a private attorney, but some really do work hard and want to help those in need.
2007-11-19 14:42:51 · 8 answers · asked by eMteMind 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
There are some great PD's. BTW-a private attorney doesn't necessarily make you a good attorney.
2007-11-19 14:52:03 · answer #1 · answered by Run Lola Run 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As a former paralegal, I think well of most public defenders. Unfortunately, all criminal defense attorneys tend to be looked down upon.
The attorneys who make the most money and enjoy the most esteem do things like help corporations get away with dumping toxic waste illegally.
Granted, if you can afford $250/hour for a good private criminal lawyer who specialized in the type of crime that you are accused of then that's the way to go. However, most of us can't afford to pay that kind of money.
Consider that Public Defenders get a lot of experience with the types of cases you see on "Cops": drugs in your car; you get arrested in a prostitution sting; domestic violence; shoplifting etc.
An experienced public defender is often your best hope and maybe your last hope for many criminal charges you are likely to face.
2007-11-19 15:15:32 · answer #2 · answered by Citizen1984 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had two public defenders so far and both were competent. Don't assume that all PD's are do-nothings. Some people really do feel motivated to help others.
2007-11-19 14:53:19 · answer #3 · answered by Brigid O' Somebody 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The average criminal, when convicted, finds it much easier to blame the Public Defender, instead of blaming himself.
2007-11-19 15:07:28 · answer #4 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you said it, overworked and under payed. They might not work as hard for you as the ones that are getting $200 an hour.
2007-11-19 14:51:40 · answer #5 · answered by whata waste 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have to admit i used to think along those lines
until my husband was arrested for a crime he didn't commit and our public defender was beyond awesome
he really taught me a lesson about judging a book by its cover
2007-11-19 19:38:59 · answer #6 · answered by little78lucky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because at least half the population in prison (over 2 million now) have been railroaded by one.
2007-11-19 14:47:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
because there to lazy to get off there butts and get a job and stop dealing drugs.
2007-11-19 15:21:07 · answer #8 · answered by andy3191 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋