When you get accused of a crime, you have the right to be a public defender. This option is usually used by people who cannot afford or do not want to hire an attorney. You might think this is a great option for saving money, but you must know all the facts before making a decision.
A public defender is not always the best choice to win a case for several reasons. On the other hand, consulting private Houston criminal defense attorneys has various advantages. When it comes to your reputation and life, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Are public defenders any good?
Public defenders might be considered a good option for people who cannot hire an attorney at all. They are only recommended for people who are financially helpless. However, if you are able to hire a criminal attorney, it is the best option to go for. In fact, it is far better than opting for a public defender for many reasons.
Public defenders are overworked
Public defenders in Houston are experienced, skilled, and highly talented individuals, just like any private attorney. However, they are always overworked. There are countless people who cannot or do not want to hire an attorney, so they opt for a public defender. Even though there are hundreds of public defenders in Texas, they always fall short because of the high demand.
Public defenders have to juggle hundreds of criminal cases all at once. Therefore, they cannot dedicate all their working hours and energy to winning your case. Private attorneys control the number of cases they take. Therefore, they are able to focus more on detail.
Public defenders push you to make a plea deal
Since they are so short-staffed and overworked, they try to resolve the cases as soon as possible. To do this, they ask their clients to make a plea deal and bring an end to the case. Certainly, a plea deal can be the ideal option in some cases. However, that is not the case at all.
The only time you should make a plea deal is when there is solid evidence against you, and there is nothing more an attorney can do. If there is even the slightest chance of winning, one should not admit fault. Additionally, plea bargains can bring bad results for some defendants.
Private attorneys are a better option
No matter how qualified a public defender may be, they will never prioritize your case as much as a private attorney will do. Trying to save money now can cost you your entire future. Contact a criminal attorney today.
