First, you will need an attorney. DO NOT attempt to represent yourself. If you needed an operation on your knee, would you do it yourself or go to a knee surgeon? Same thing with the law. Sure, you’ve watched thousands of hours of TV and movie legal dramas, but that doesn’t mean you are qualified to represent yourself, just as watching years of “General Hospital” won’t qualify you to do your own knee surgery. Even lawyers shouldn’t represent themself. There is an old saying: “The lawyer who represents themself has a fool for a client.” So get yourself a lawyer as soon as you can.
Retained Lawyer of Public Defender?
Lawyers aren’t cheap, especially good lawyers. Many defendants just can’t afford private counsel unless they borrow or get help from relatives and friends. For those who can borrow or otherwise gain access to enough money to hire a lawyer, the question remains: retained counsel or the public defender?
Many people will tell you that you should avoid a public defenders, calling them “public pretenders,” or “dump trucks” or claiming that they really work for the District Attorney. Such characterizations are, for the most part, inaccurate and unfair. Most public defenders are good attorneys who try to do the best they can. Unfortunately, public defenders tend to be very overworked, often juggling over 100 cases at any given moment. A retained private attorney will have far more time and resources to address your case. In commonly seen cases, like standard DUI, a public defender can often obtain just as good a result as a retained attorney. But in more complex or unusual cases, or those with unique issues, a retained lawyer will have more time to work on your case. In these situations, private counsel may be preferable.
But I can’t afford a lawyer!
Bill Panzer understands that being charged with a crime is almost always an unexpected and significant expense. He works with clients to set up payment plans and considers reduced fees for persons with limited means. Over the years, he has been quite creative in working with clients to provide top-notch legal representation within their budgets.
