October 29, 2015 Criminal charges are extremely serious. When facing a criminal charge, personal liberty and freedom are at stake. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help to protect your legal rights. In this situation, you have many questions about hiring a criminal defense lawyer. Here are some of questions prospective clients ask: 1. Should I represent myself? Although you can represent yourself, unless the court determines you are incompetent to elect this choice, you have a right to an attorney in most instances. Even if you cannot afford a defense attorney, the court can appoint one for you. There are many reasons to avoid self-representation. In a courtroom, you will face educated and experienced licensed prosecutors, while you may have little to no experience. For minor issues such as traffic tickets and small claims, you are fully capable of representing yourself. However, for criminal charges, you will always want a lawyer. Don’t risk going at it alone. 2. I’ve heard about public defenders. What do I need to know? If you can’t afford to hire a criminal defense attorney and face up at least six months in jail if convicted, the court will appoint an attorney for you. Many young attorneys get their start this way. The public defender will assist with: 1) interrogation after arrest; 2) lineups; 3) preliminary hearing; 4) arraignment; 5) plea negotiation; and 6) sentencing procedure. Public defenders typically manage many cases at the same time. Although national standards recommend that criminal defense lawyers manage no more than 150 cases per year, an average public defender manages about 1,600 cases. Even if the public defender wants to give your case the attention it needs, he or she may not have the time or resources to accomplish this goal. In some cases, the public defender’s hectic schedule can force him or her to take shortcuts, such as forcing a guilty plea when the evidence does not call for it. Your liberty is clearly at risk in such a scenario. 3. What is a private criminal defense attorney? If you’re charged with a criminal offense, you also have the option to hire a private criminal defense attorney. This decision makes good sense, especially when facing a life-altering criminal charge. For instance, a felony conviction can result in: • Lost eligibility for student loans and low-cost public housing • Private or public sector job disqualification • Loss of driver’s license • Loss of the right to carry or own firearms • Deportation (if a resident alien) A felony conviction may have serious repercussions in all areas of life. An experienced criminal defense lawyer works to prepare the best possible legal defense.When your personal freedom is at risk, hiring an experienced and aggressive defense attorney is an essential task. Contact the Nahajski Law Firm at 206-621-0500 to discuss your case today.