The difference between a public defender a private attorney is that the public defender is appointed by the court to represent you if you cannot afford to hire an attorney. On the other hand, a private attorney is a lawyer whom you pay personally to represent you in court.

First of all, you don’t just automatically get a public defender. You have to qualify for one. If you can show the judge that you qualify after providing information to the court, the judge may appoint a public defender to represent you.

As defined in Florida law, a judge can appoint the public defender to represent a person who has income that is equal to or less than 200 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines or is unable to pay for the services of a private attorney without significant hardship to his or her family.

If I am arrested, should I talk to the police?

If you are arrested, you should request to speak to a lawyer and obtain advice from a lawyer before answering police questions.

Are Public Defenders real attorneys?

Yes. Public Defenders are lawyers who practice criminal law. All have graduated from college and accredited law schools. All assistant public defenders have passed the rigorous requirements of The Florida Bar to practice law in this state.

Will the Public Defender give me an adequate defense?

Theoretically they should. However, there are some things to consider. Very often public defenders have huge case loads. It is not reasonable to assume that they can invest as much time into your case as you would like. The public defender may not have as much experience as the private attorney that you may hire.

The Public Defender may not have the resources available as a private attorney. Public defenders can rarely afford to hire investigators to collect evidence to support your case. A public defender also won’t be able to assist you with related civil law or administrative hearings, which are handled separately (such as driver’s license revocation hearings in a DWI case).

You have to also consider what your peace of mind is worth. Do you think you will sleep better if you or your loved one has the best possible defense.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.