The Differences Between a Public Defender and a Private Attorney

If you’re charged with a crime in the State of Tennessee – or any state throughout the nation – you have the right to legal counsel, and in some financial situations, you have the option of going with a public defender or hiring a private attorney. Understanding the differences between the two can play a pivotal role in the outcome of your case. Consult with an experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney today.

The Right to Legal Representation

If you’ve been charged with a crime, the law affords you the right to legal counsel. And if you can’t afford to hire a private attorney, a public defender will be appointed on your behalf. Before you go the route of working with a public defender, however, it’s important to consider what this could mean for your case and what the differences between the two options are. 

Choosing the Right Representation

The outcome of your criminal case isn’t a matter of luck or fate on your part. Instead, the outcome of your case will hinge on the strength of the state’s evidence against you and on your attorney’s ability to skillfully refute the state’s case – in terms of the evidence they have and the meanings they derive from it. In other words, the right representation can make all the difference in how your case is resolved.

The Primary Differences

The major differences between public defenders and private attorneys include all the following:

• Public defenders have far larger caseloads, which means they have less time to dedicate to each client’s unique case.
• Public defenders have only the resources made available to them by the state, which can seriously limit their ability to build strong defenses.
• Public defenders are often attorneys who are just getting started, which means they generally have less experience in the criminal justice system and the courtroom.

A private attorney is also better prepared to move your case forward toward a favorable resolution more quickly, which can help reduce not only the legal consequences you face but also the social consequences that can affect your career, your professional licensure, your education, and even your housing options. The sooner you have a skilled private attorney in your corner, the sooner you can put the charge you’re facing well behind you.

Turn to an Experienced Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney for the Help You Need

While you may have the option of being assigned a public defender, this doesn’t make it the best choice for you. Andrew Beasley at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC – proudly serving Nashville – has an impressive range of experience that includes the role of public defender, and he has honed his legal skills well throughout his imposing career. Andrew has the legal insight, experience, and resources that come from building a successful private practice. So, if you’re looking for the peace of mind that comes from having solid legal representation, please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 615-709-9428 for more information today.