Should I go with a court appointed lawyer or a personal lawyer? -

I have court later this week for a relatively small charge class b misdemeanor (failure to id), first time being charged with anything. Even though its a very small case should I go with a court appointed which is no cost to me or a personal lawyer?

I feel that court appointed lawyers could care less about ppl. I would go with my own lawyer - who is getting paid to get me out of a jam

What makes you think you are eligible for a court appointed attorney? I ve got a friend going through something now. She was denied a court appointed attorney and she earns less than $1,000 a month. I sat in court and watched defendant after defendant get denied public defenders due to their income being too high. The morning I went with my friend they must have called 25 cases and I don t think more than 5 qualified. There was a guy who washed dishes for $7 an hour. Because he lived with his mom and did not pay rent the judge told him he could afford his own attorney.

First ask yourself what you expect to get out of the charge. If you are going accept the charge, and are just looking for the best deal, you may be able to talk to the prosecuter without an attorney at all. Even if you get a court appointed one, you may have to pay all or some of his fees. Regardless of what you hear, think of a lawyer like a football player. They like to win, and try to win. Most people that don t like public defenders are just blaming someone else for thier problems.

Spend the money.