Should I get a private attorney or public defender appointed by the court?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Should I get a private attorney or public defender appointed by the court?

I was arrested for shoplifting 2 items that totaled to $86; it was a misunderstanding. I honestly didn’t mean to. I’m on ADHD medication for focus and paying attention to the things I do, when I don’t take it I’m all over the place. Also, I have a letter from my doctor stating why I take it and what happens if I

don’t. I went to jail and got fingerprinted and my picture taken and the paid my bail of $100 then went home. I have a court date in a month. I have never been arrested or have priors or a record, I’m clean. I’m a military spouse and a mother of 2. What should I do?

Asked on April 19, 2017 under Criminal Law, Hawaii

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

If you can afford an attorney, then you should retain an attorney.
If you cannot afford an attorney, then a court appointed attorney such as the public defender would be the route to pursue.  Some public defenders are so overworked with their heavy caseloads that they might not have adequate time to prepare for your case.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption