Should I stick with a public defender or hire an attorney?
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Should I stick with a public defender or hire an attorney?
I’m getting a jury trial for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces. How can I help make my sentence the least possible? I would like to know if I can plea bargain or plead no contest and if either of those will get me the least possible sentence?
Asked on December 13, 2011 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
There is no way to answer to question about plea bargaining vs. pleading no contest in the abstract--it depends on the factual details (e.g. prior conviction? your age? any other criminality going on at the same time? circumstances of arrest? etc.). You need to discuss this in detail with your attorney.
As to public defender or private attorney--if you can afford a private attorney, get one. Public defenders are, by and large, experienced and dedicated--they are also underpaid, overworked, and have few resources to support them. A private attorney may not be more skilled, but he or she will almost certainly be more focused on your case, since he or she does not have the challenges public defenders deal with.
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