What Is the Role of a Public Defender?

In the U.S., the role of a public defender is to represent clients who cannot pay for private counsel and who are at risk of losing their liberty if convicted. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to a lawyer, the right to an impartial jury, the right to know who your accusers are, and the nature of the charges and evidence against you. In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled in landmark Gideon vs. Wainwright case that the Sixth Amendment in the Bill of Rights requires the government to provide legal counsel for criminal cases free of charge.

Public defenders are fully licensed lawyers whose sole job is to represent defendants in criminal cases. This role handles criminal cases as well as minors in juvenile delinquency cases, proposed conservatees in mental health-related cases, persons accused of contempt in civil cases, and more. Public defenders are appointed by the Superior Court to represent individuals, adult or juvenile, who are charged with crimes. The roles and responsibilities of a public defender are as follows:

• Providing legal representation, consultation, and advice to clients
• Representing clients through criminal investigative proceedings
• Creating a defense plan, doing investigative legal research, and interviewing the necessary clients and witnesses
• Working closely with clients, discussing relevant information, strategies

At The Ambeau Law Firm, we have brought over a decade of volunteered services in public defense to the table. We believe in these services because we are advocates for those who need legal help the most. If you or a loved one work with public defense who believes in these same values, you will experience the following:

• Free legal representation to the accused

The privilege of offering representation to those in need is the reason why we have offered public defense services. We believe so strongly every individual’s right to be represented in court. When you are represented by a public defender like this, you will be represented by an individual who believes the same.

• Extensive work experience

In order to be a public defender, one must meet the same qualifications as a regular attorney. One must earn an undergraduate degree, take the LSAT exam, graduate from law school, and pass the bar exam as well as the NPRE before becoming a public defender.

Benefits of Hiring a Private Criminal Defense Lawyer

At The Ambeau Law Firm, we have been providing private criminal defense services for over a decade, helping clients who are accused of a wide range of crimes. When you hire a private lawyer, the associated fees give access to services that a public defender simply might not have the ability to access. For example, a private lawyer can hire witnesses that can reveal key information to the case. We can also use private laboratories that can test evidence and reveal more information to aid in the defense.

The Ambeau Law Firm offers a set of reasonable litigation support services in which we can conduct an initial review of DNA and forensic science evidence, which allows us to question evidence that is brought to the table. Furthermore, when you work with a private criminal defense lawyer like the team at The Ambeau Law Firm, you will receive direct contact throughout every state of the process. We understand that facing criminal charges is quite stressful, and we are here to alleviate additional concerns in any way we can and work diligently to produce the best outcome possible.

To learn more about public defenders and private criminal defense attorneys, call The Ambeau Law Firm at (225) 330-7009 or contact us online.