Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Me and my fiance was in a physical altercation and when the police arrived they seen his marijuana that he sells I got charged with his cds and the paraphernalia. Hesaid he told them that he didnt know who it was at first but then admitted that it was his. I had a preliminary hearing coming but today I received a summons to appear as a defendant, do I need a attorney or can I go with a public defender?


Asked on 12/28/11, 11:02 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

A private attorney will give more attention to your case over the Public Defender.

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Answered on 12/29/11, 5:35 am
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

Whether to have an attorney is your decision. Ask yourself whether you know criminal law, criminal procedure, the Rules of Evidence, the court, and the prosecutor well enough to evaluate your case, including any plea offer that the state might make without getting taken advantage of.

The difference between private counsel and the public defender is that you may pick who represents you privately. However, if the public defender appoints someone, even a panel attorney who is in private practice, you do not get to choose who it is. Also, if you become dissatisfied with appointed counsel and discharge him or her, then the public defender will not appoint another attorney.

There are good and bad attorneys in both the private bar and the public defender's office.

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Answered on 12/29/11, 8:40 am


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