If you can afford to do so, it is always better to hire an experienced attorney to help with your DUI charge, and not rely on a public defender. You might think a public defender is an attractive solution because they are free, but this is not in your best interest.
Why shouldn’t you use a service that is free of charge?
This guide will explain why you should reconsider going with a public defender and why an experienced DUI attorney is best.
5 Reasons Why You Should Not Use A Public Defender
1. You Can’t Choose Your Public Defender
A public defender is a court-appointed legal counsel, meaning you don’t get to choose who you work with. So if you don’t like the way they handle your case, or you can tell they don’t have experience, there is little chance of switching to the services of another public defender. Basically, this means you could be stuck with a lawyer with little experience and/or energy for the duration of your case.
2. They Have Limited Time/Resources
Public defenders might have upwards of one hundred cases at a time, so they are overburdened and won’t have the time to spend with you on a regular basis, nor will they have a supportive staff to reach out and keep you in the loop at all times.
Similarly, public defenders have limited investigative resources and they don’t have staff to share the burden of investigating your case or doing background research. They cannot do DMV hearings – they are civil not criminal. This is a critical component in any DUI case, so you don’t want to cut corners.
3. They Lack Administrative Abilities
For DUI cases, a private attorney can represent you in court and in administrative DMV hearings. Public defenders cannot. They can only represent you in court. Most DMV hearings are held before the DUI trial, so your private attorney can go to the DMV hearing and subpoena the officer to get him to talk without a prosecutor suggesting answers. This can provide critical evidence, e.g., attacking the driving and whether there are divided attention “clues”, inquiring about warrantless searches, and consent. that and preview any evidence that could be used against you in your DUI trial. This is a crucial step that can make or break your case when you go to court.
4. They Lack Specific DUI Experience
Public defenders do not handle the same cases day in and day out like specialized lawyers. Instead, they handle any case that comes their way. While this makes them versatile, it does not allow them to have the specialized knowledge about DUI cases that DUI attorneys have. This can make a huge difference in your case.
5. Overburdened in an Overtaxed System
It is your legal right to have representation, therefore, if you cannot afford it the state will appoint you a public defender. The problem is, these public defenders are few and far between. They are overburdened with all types of cases for each person in the state who legitimately cannot afford representation. If you can afford it, pay for an experienced attorney who isn’t burned out and up to their eyeballs in 100+ cases at once.
Why Choosing An Experienced DUI Attorney is Better
An experienced attorney will have handled cases just like yours. That means they know where to look for errors and for mistakes, and what legal avenues to explore in order to defend against your charges. An experienced DUI attorney that goes to trial is critical. The prosecutors know the few, talented, hard working attorneys in their jurisdiction that also win at trial. Hiring such a respected attorney gives you leverage against the system.
Not only do they have the experience, but they get results. Having access to the right resources, staff, and the time to work through your case with you, DUI defense attorneys have a better chance of obtaining a more favorable outcome, results you can get behind. They, after all, have a complete understanding of the law and applicable loopholes to your situation.
Work With the Best DUI Attorney in Your Area
Are you looking for a DUI Attorney in Los Angeles with years of experience and casework to represent you in court and help you fight your charges?
My name is Jon Bryant Artz, and I have more than 40 years of experience as one of the Best Los Angeles DUI Attorneys. Throughout my career, I have helped thousands of clients to fight or reduce their charges – regardless of their circumstances. With thousands of cases under my belt, I am confident that I have the skills and experience to help you fight your charges.
If you have been charged with DUI in Los Angeles, don’t hurt your chances of fighting your charges by working with a public defender. You deserve a fair trial and the chance to succeed, and you can’t afford to have a DUI on your record. Contact Jon Artz today for a free case evaluation. Jon will speak with you one-on-one to go over your case, address the possible courses of action, answer your questions, and get started working towards a solution.
