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What's the different from a private lawyer and a public defender ?

i had my 1st DUI a week ago and i have my 1st court in 4 days i really need this DUI out of my record and i really need the best deal as possible with DUI probation, (because immigration issues) if i hired a Private lawyer would he help me more than the public defender? what are the differences? and around how much would he charge me?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    You need to call attorneys to find out what they would charge. It depends on the charges, the evidence and details of the case, your history, and where you live. Certainly several thousand dollars.

    The main difference is who pays the bill. In some states, public defenders are government employees, full time. In other states, they have a private practice and do some cases as PDs. You have to qualify financially for a PD.

    PDs often have a heavy case load, since everyone is big on cutting government and most government agencies are underfunded. You should ask your lawyer if there is an alcohol diversion program in your location. With those programs, they suspend everything while you go for treatment for your alcohol problem. If you stay out of trouble, say for a year or so, then the charge will go away. It will still be hanging over your head until the time period is up. You can't make it go away quickly unless there is a flaw in how they did testing or something.

    The arrest will still be on there.

  • 5 years ago

    As an 11 3 hundred and sixty 5 days police veteran, i am going to respond to from own journey. A public defender is appointed to a defendant by the courts. In concept, in undemanding words those who're indigent or won't be able to have the funds for a legal professional must be appointed the prevalent public defender. for sure, in truth, anybody can request and particular acquire representation by a public defender. Now, right that is the challenge. Public Defenders carry a wide caseload and frequently won't be able to commit the own time to a case that a privately employed legal professional ought to. PD's are frequently very sturdy at their interest and many are very experienced. My journey with PD's is that maximum took that interest, not because they needed to get rich, yet because they trust contained in the gadget and want to verify to it that all and distinct - no count number how rich or damaging - is given the rights they deserve. A PD will do each and everything they could to make certain the defendant's rights were not violated and to get the guy the suitable *reasonable* deal a possibility. on the different hand, an legal professional who's employed is probable to have a miles smaller caseload and could be in a position of commit extra time and aspects to at least one human being case. this may enable the legal professional (and his team) to study about particular information of the case and produce in professionals to attempt to discredit evidence, witnesses, and so on. A privately paid legal professional may be prepared to pursue extra motions and courtroom proceedings, even at the same time as there is minimum wish of triumphing those moves, because they are getting paid to attempt those angles. My own journey has been that someone who's in charge will be stumbled on in charge no matter if or not they are represented by a PD or inner most legal professional. the quantity of custody time relies upon extra of the strengths of the case, the historic past of the guy, and so on., then it does on who the legal professional became. I account the OJ and Robert Blake cases to a mixture of sturdy legal professionals, undesirable police paintings and the suspect's "megastar capability". i trust those cases to be anomalies particularly than sturdy examples of the american justice gadget.

  • 1 decade ago

    Sorry, neither a public defender or a high paid attorney is going to get that DUI off your record. That is something you should have considered before you got in to the car and put the key into the ignition. You had the option to call a cab - or have a sober person come pick you up! Immigration issues will not be effected by your DUI - we don't deport people for civil disobedience - but if I had my way - you would be on the first boat or plane to your native land.

  • 1 decade ago

    How much you get charged will depend on the "going rate" for lawyers in your specific geographic area. If you feel you need an attorney and can afford a private attorney, hire one. I don't say that based on any greater ability of a private attorney but on the simple fact that if you can afford an attorney you will not qualify for the Public Defender. The PD is for people who can't afford to hire an attorney on their own, they are not available for everyone who simply wants to save their money.

    As for what the difference is, again that will depend on your locality. In general Public Defenders tend to be more overworked and underpaid, while private attorneys have a lighter case load and charge you through the nose for it.

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  • avgjoe
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    I have not once seen a judge appoint a Public defender for a DUI unless there were other charges associated with it. So you should look up DUI attorneys in your area there are normally quite a few listings for this type of attorney. Most will give you a free consultation and advise you on your next course of action especially seeing how you have an upcoming immigration hearing

  • TedEx
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    The difference is, with a public defender, he is free only if you cannot afford an attorney. Chances are, it could be some young and ex[perienced lawyer who is working for the DA's office, to get experience.

    But believe me, they are getting tougher with the "cannot afford a lawyer" since, as you know, many counties and cities are huirting financially.

    With a private attorney, you will get a seasoned pro who can try to take care of ALL your legal problems.

    However, results aren't guaranteed.

    Usually, the initial consoltatiuon os free, but after that, try $ 300.00 an hour plus expenses.

    More, if it goes to trial.

    He will probably ask for a substantial amount as a retainer. in other words, you pay part of his fee in advance.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    The definition of public defender varies by locality. In my county in Texas, it means a private attorney who is paid by the county, so whether you get an experienced hard-working attorney depends on the luck of the draw (although most experienced, good attorneys get enough paid work that they don't put themselves on the list for indigent appointments). In other places there are attorneys that are on the county's payroll to handle criminal cases for indigents, and it's generally a starter position for the attorney.

    The way to find out what a private attorney would charge is to call him/her and have a consultation and ask. Negotiating a good deal will definitely be cheaper than going to trial. Call a few local DUI specialist attorneys, make appointments to talk with them, and get a quote from them.

    Source(s): FREE Texas Civilized Divorce Guidebook: www.Civilized-Divorce.com
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The government is required to offer you a free public defender so everyone can have a fair trail, but private attorneys are generally considered better at their job and more motivated to win your case. They are usually pretty expensive but if your really serious about your case I would highly recommend hiring one. They usually have better connections in the court system and are more compassionate with your case, and almost always give you a better outcome than a state appointed counsel.

  • 1 decade ago

    Public Defenders work for the State, not for you. That's the difference.

  • 1 decade ago

    YOU pay a private lawyer it's in his/her best interest to get you as light as punishment as possible.Public defenders usually just make sure you rights are not violated

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