Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

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.

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