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Which is Better – a Private Defense Attorney or a Public Defender?


— November 2, 2022

On the other hand, a private defense attorney is beneficial for a number of different reasons. These lawyers are highly incentivized to provide results.


If you are ever charged with a crime in Newark, you have two main options: You can either go with a public defender, or you can hire your own private defense attorney. This might seem like a minor decision at first, but it can have a tremendous effect on the outcome of your case. A solid defense attorney can make a world of difference, potentially mitigating your legal consequences or even removing them altogether. So which should you choose: A private defense attorney or a public defender?

Benefits of a Public Defender

First of all, it’s important to note that public defenders aren’t all bad. Some are highly skilled attorneys, and they are passionate about defending the public. That said, the main benefit of a public defender is not their legal expertise, but rather the fact that their services are provided free of charge. These attorneys are essentially reserved for people who cannot afford to defend themselves in court. If you cannot afford to hire your own private defense attorney, there is nothing with choosing a public defender. After all, it’s your only real choice. 

Benefits of a Private Defense Attorney

On the other hand, a private defense attorney is beneficial for a number of different reasons. Firstly, these lawyers are highly incentivized to provide results. If they fail to do so, the reputation of their private law firm will suffer greatly. These law firms are businesses, and the “product” the lawyers are selling is a solid defense strategy. No business can succeed if it sells faulty products – so a defense attorney must be effective to stay in business. They are also much more likely to explore a range of creative and innovative defense strategies to help you avoid all legal consequences.

A female prisoner shackled in jail. Image via Wikimedia Commons/user:OfficerBimblebury. (CCA-BY-4.0)

In contrast, a public defender is not incentivized to provide results in the same way. If they fail to provide their clients with a positive outcome, they do not lose their job. Their reputation does not suffer. They simply continue on with their career with no discernible consequences, because they are employed by the state government. They are not running their own business, and they do not need to worry about attracting new clients with a solid track record. They are also much more likely to pursue plea deals rather than innovative defense strategies. 

Where Can I Find a Defense Attorney in Newark?

If you’ve been searching for a criminal defense attorney in Newark, look no further than Eric M. Mark Law. Over the years, we have assisted numerous defendants in the New Jersey area, and we can help you assess numerous defense strategies as you strive for justice. Your right to an attorney is one of the most important things guaranteed to you under the constitution – so don’t waste it. Choose a private defense attorney, and push back against the system with solid, effective defense strategies. Book your consultation to get started today. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.nj.gov/defender/
  2. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/systematic-comparison-public-defenders-and-private-attorneys

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