Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Not guilty of charges

I was driving a friends car and was pulled over because the

license plate came up stolen.Under the drivers seat the

police found a loaded gun. The car is not mine,the gun isn't

mine, nothing in the car belonged to me.Only I am being

charged for these things,and he was in the car with me.

Also, he is a convicted felon abscounding from parole. He

has already accepted a deal and is ready to settle within

3 weeks. What do I do.I cannot really afford an attorney,

but am scared to have only a Public Defender represent

me. What sshould I do.


Asked on 10/30/02, 7:16 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Benjamin Berger Berger-Harrison, A Professional Corporation

Re: Not guilty of charges

I agree with Mr. Kohler, public defenders unfairly get a bad rap. Many of the most famous criminal defense attorneys (most of O.J.'s lawyers) worked previously as public defenders. The training they receive is phenomenal. The only drawback may be that they have a large caseload and are unable to spend a great deal of time with you.

If the whole process frightens you, it may be worthwhile for you to hire a private attorney who can dedicate more time to communicating with you as your case progresses. Many private attorneys work much cheaper than you might think.

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Answered on 10/30/02, 12:52 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Not guilty of charges

Scared or not, get the public defender quickly, unless you want to end up in jail for screwing up whatever defenses you might have to the charges.

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Answered on 10/30/02, 3:18 pm
Robert Kohler

Re: Not guilty of charges

There are very few private attorneys that have as much criminal experience as Public Defenders. Don't think that you are not getting the best representation simply because the attorney defending you is a Public Defender.

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Answered on 10/30/02, 11:45 am


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