Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Court appointed attorneys

Why do some attorneys take cases as ''court appointed attorneys'' and act as public defenders. How does this benefit these attorneys? How do they make money handling these cases. Are court appointed attorneys really just working for the DA, securing convictions for them in exchange for favors on cases in which their clients are hiring them for money?


Asked on 12/26/06, 10:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Court appointed attorneys

Are you serious?

They take the cases because they get paid to do so, and it is difficult to make a living representing people who often do not pay their lawyer.

They also take the cases because they have a moral compass that directs them to serve the people in this world least able to help themselves.

They also take the cases because they believe in the foundations of this country that if a person can be convicted only if proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, then SOMEONE better be there to insure that the prosecution is forced to present that proof.

There are crooks in every walk of life, and after over 25 years practicing law, I would stake my livelihood on the fact that there are fewer crooks taking court appointments in criminal cases than in any other walk of life.

If you have a court-appointed lawyer, why don't you go apologize.

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Answered on 1/02/07, 7:54 pm


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