Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Public Defender/Attorney

What is the difference between a public defender and an attorney? I have a petty theft crime in California. I stole $60.00 worth of product foolishly. I cannot afford an attorney, will a public defender still help or be a good idea? I am 20 years old and this is my first offense with a minor consumption on my record in Arizona.


Asked on 7/19/09, 4:47 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

Re: Public Defender/Attorney

Public defenders ARE attorneys - they just work for the government and are provided to represent those that meet the criteria to be labeled indigent by the court.

Either way, you'll need an attorney. There are some excellent lawyers in the public defender's office. There are also some lazy ones. There are excellent private attorneys, as well as lazy ones. The difference in hiring an attorney is that you get to choose, instead of accepting whichever one gets assigned to your case. Public defenders have a much higher case load than private attorneys, so your case will not get as much attention, nor will you have quite as much access to your attorney to answer questions, discuss the case, etc.

Read more
Answered on 7/19/09, 10:37 am
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Public Defender/Attorney

Public defenders are attorneys, sometimes very good ones, who get appointed to represent defendants who cannot afford to retain a private lawyer. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, this is your best and only option. Just make sure you insist on not taking any deal which would result in a misdemeanor theft conviction. This should be possible given the amount of theft was only $60.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

213.250.9200

www.lentzlawfirm.com

Read more
Answered on 7/19/09, 1:33 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California