If an American citizen is facing a criminal charge and potential jail time, he/she has a Constitutional right to an attorney under the Sixth Amendment. Through Texas’s own Fair Defense Laws and Code of Criminal Procedure, the state applies this rule. So, you have the option to choose a private Waco criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with a crime. If you are unable to afford one, the court will appoint a public defender on your behalf whose expenses will be taken care of by the Government.
Now, the question that arises here: which option is the right one for you? Both options come with their own pros and cons, and knowing them in detail will help you to make the right decision. Next, the pros and cons of hiring a public defender versus a professional criminal lawyer from a reputed criminal law firm in Waco TX are discussed so that you can get the best outcome in court. So, do keep on reading!
Hiring a Public Defender Advantages
The primary advantage of hiring a public defender is that you can get access to their counseling and services free of charge. Court proceedings that follow after a person is charged with a crime in Waco can be a lengthy and expensive process. Thus, if financial constraints are a concern for you, going with a public defender will be your best option.
Hiring a Public Defender Disadvantages
If you can afford the required legal help or are looking for personalized and attentive legal assistance, you should avoid choosing a public defender, as such help comes with a couple of drawbacks.
Here are the 3 major cons of hiring a public defender:
- Limited resources
Unlike professional and qualified Waco TX criminal defense attorneys, public defenders do not have access to the required resources, such as specialized counseling finding witnesses, or appointing investigators.
- Heavy Caseloads
Mostly, public defenders have a large number of cases under their belt. When the court appoints one for you, you are not given an option to choose. Thus, if you are assigned one with a heavy caseload, the chances are that you may not get the attention you seek or deserve.
- Limited Flexibility
Each case is unique, and regardless of your case, you may need special attention or personalized services. Unfortunately, most public defenders cannot provide the same level of flexibility as a Waco criminal defense lawyer.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Advantages and Disadvantages
Waco TX criminal defense attorneys practice setting their own caseloads, which allows them ample time to provide the required attention to your case. As public defenders are usually burdened with heavy caseloads, they are overworked, leading to several disadvantages. Such issues can be avoided if you choose a private criminal defense lawyer.
Private criminal lawyers keep themselves available to address all your questions and queries via meetings and phone calls as and when required. Consequently, they have more time and resources to offer the specialized or personalized attention your case may require. All reputed private criminal lawyers go the extra mile to come up with an effective and desired defense for you.
The only drawback of hiring a private criminal defense attorney is that the services come with a price tag. While this cost may be inconvenient; however, it is necessary to build and maintain the required defense for your case. So, the price you have to pay will be insignificant compared to the desired outcome in court. Skilled and experienced criminal defense knows everything to ensure you are satisfied with the outcome.
To Conclude
Working with a public defender is a good choice if there are any financial constraints. However, they come with several disadvantages. Thus, if you are looking for personalized and effective legal assistance, going with a professional and qualified Waco criminal defense lawyer will be the best option!
Resources: https://www.yumlist.ca/texas/sugar-land/legal-services/lawrence-law-firm-pllc
Contact Us:
Lawrence Law Firm, PLLC
Phone: (832) 356-4404