Choosing Between a Public Defender and Private Lawyer in Miami

Getting arrested is scary. Being accused of a crime is scary. Going to jail is scary. Dealing with the criminal justice system is scary. But having the right lawyer by your side can make it a little less scary.

If you’ve been arrested in Miami and can’t afford a private attorney, you’ll be appointed a public defender. Public defenders are lawyers who work for the government and don’t charge for their services. They can be a good option if money’s tight.

But hiring a private criminal defense lawyer has some big advantages too. Here’s what you need to know about both options, to help you make the best choice for your situation.

Public Defenders

Public defenders are real lawyers with law degrees and experience. Many are dedicated attorneys who work hard for their clients. Some key things to know:

• They have a ton of cases – sometimes over 100 at a time! That doesn’t leave much time for each client.
• You don’t get to pick your public defender – you just get assigned one.
• It can be hard to meet or talk to your public defender outside of court dates.
• Public defenders are paid the same no matter how many cases they win. They don’t have a financial incentive to get you the best outcome.

Overall, public defenders do their best but are super overworked. You may feel like just another case file to them.

Private Criminal Defense Lawyers

Hiring your own lawyer allows you to shop around and pick someone you trust. Private attorneys have some key advantages:

• They take on fewer cases so they can spend more time on yours.
• It’s easier to reach them since they have direct office phone numbers and support staff.
• They have more resources to build the strongest defense, like hiring investigators.
• They depend on referrals and wins for new business, so they’re motivated to get you the best outcome.

The biggest downside is cost. Private attorneys can be expensive, especially for serious felonies. But for many people, the benefits outweigh the higher rates.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Lawyer in Miami

If you decide to go with a private attorney, make sure to ask these key questions when interviewing lawyers:

• How much experience do you have with my specific charges?
• What will your legal fees be? Are payment plans available?
• Will you personally handle my case or pass it to an associate?
• How quickly do you usually return calls and emails?
• Will you keep me updated on the strategy for my defense?

Don’t feel shy about asking plenty of questions – this is a big decision! The lawyer you choose will tremendously impact the outcome of your case.

Getting Legal Fees Covered

If you can’t afford a private attorney but don’t qualify for a public defender, there are a few options to cover legal fees:

• Ask family or friends if they can contribute or loan you money.
• Use a credit card or take out a personal loan.
• Ask the lawyer if they offer payment plans or will accept payments.
• Consider legal fee financing companies like Legal Financing.

Explore all these options because finding the right lawyer is so important. Don’t take chances with your freedom.

The Bottom Line

Being arrested for a crime in Miami is scary. But the right lawyer can help get your charges reduced or dismissed, and protect your rights every step of the way.

While public defenders do valuable work, hiring a private attorney often leads to better outcomes in criminal cases. If at all possible, find the funds to get experienced legal representation on your side.

The stakes are high – but the right lawyer makes all the difference. Do your research to pick the best attorney for your situation in Miami.