When dealing with criminal charges, you have important decisions to make. Your choices could make all the difference between whether you spend time behind bars or at home with your family until your trial date. You must also consider whether you will plead guilty or not guilty, as well as whether you should use the services of a public defender or a private lawyer. Here’s what you need to know about each of these professionals, so you can make the right decision for you.
Public Defenders
A public defender is a professional who the court appoints to your case. The advantages of working with a public defender include the following:
- You don’t need to pay for your lawyer
- They have experience working on criminal cases
- They may have a better relationship with the prosecutors since they work together often, which can help them get plea agreements
However, there are some disadvantages to working with a public defender. They make much less than private lawyers, and take on a lot of work, which is why they have large caseloads. Being underpaid and overwhelmed can mean they run the risk of making mistakes or that they don’t provide your case with the adequate attention it needs. You also cannot choose your public defender, so if you are not satisfied, you may find it difficult to get a replacement.
Private Lawyers
A private lawyer is a professional hired by you (the defendant) or your family. The main disadvantage of hiring a private lawyer is that you need to pay for their services, but other than that, there really is nothing to worry about. The advantages of working with a private lawyer far outweigh the disadvantages. Here are some of the benefits of working with a private lawyer:
- They take on less cases than public defenders
- They have more one-on-one time with their clients
- They bring their best work to each case, as they are well-compensated
- They have additional staff, associates, and paralegals to help them
- They can be contacted directly for questions and information
- You can choose your private lawyer
Let PCS Bail Bonds Help You
Choosing a public defender may be your first thought as it costs you nothing, but if your future rests on whether or not you are found guilty or not guilty, it may be best to invest in a private lawyer that can give your case the attention it needs.
Once you’ve chosen your lawyer, the next step is to get a bail bond. That’s where PCS Bail Bonds can help. We provide 24-hour bail bonds for all kinds of charges including theft, drug possession, embezzlement, assault, and more. Our experienced agents can help you obtain a bond in a fraction of the time.
We have professional memberships in several renowned associations including the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, and Professional Bondsmen of Tarrant County. We serve clients in Fort Worth, Texas, and other municipalities in Tarrant County. We process our clients’ requests quickly and efficiently. Our bail bondsmen are always on call and we can be down to the jail in under 30 minutes.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our e-mail, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. You can be confident that you’re working with experts who are dedicated to helping you.