If you are stuck with a public defender, consider a criminal defense consultant

Unfortunately, not everyone facing serious criminal charges can afford a private attorney. As a result, they may be stuck with a public defender. While there are some great public defenders out there, there are also many bad ones. Some of the great public defenders get a bad reputation because they do not focus on the customer service side of the representation largely because they don't have to. Whether their clients are happy or upset, they will still have a job tomorrow. They don't have to cultivate a reputation because they will get the same paycheck regardless. Furthermore, their clients don't really have a choice. Upset or not, they are stuck with the same lawyer. So how do you know if your public defender is handling the case the right way?

If you have access to some funds, but not enough to hire a good attorney, consider hiring a criminal defense consultant. Lawyers commonly act as consultants in a variety of civil cases but you rarely see criminal defense consultants. This is because it is not a big market. Most criminal defense attorneys would rather be in a case or not. I have to admit, I'd rather be in the driver's seat as well but if that is not possible, a criminal defense consultant is the next best thing.

In addition to cost savings, criminal defense consultants offer flexibility. Court appearances can be time consuming and as a result, can be really eat up a retainer. However, if you hire a criminal defense consultant and he or she does not have to go to court, you could immediately save 50% of your legal fees, if not more. Your budget and your needs can then determine how and when you utilize the consultant.

For the highest level of service, you can hire the criminal defense consultant as a shadow attorney. A shadow attorney works with you throughout the entire case. However, the attorney never enters an appearance in court. Your public defender (or other attorney) does all the heavy lifting but your shadow attorney is there to provide advice and discuss strategy. This will allow you to make sure that your public defender is handling your case the right way. It will also allow you speak up better and demand better service. How could you tell your attorney what to do if you don't know what they should be doing? Your shadow attorney may even be able to call your public defender to discuss the case so that everyone can get on the same page.

If you have a limited budget or a narrow issue you would like a second opinion on, a criminal defense consultant can come into a case for just one issue. Common issues include whether or not to proffer, whether or not to become a confidential information as well as whether to accept a plea or take the case to trial. These are all major, life changing decisions. If you don't have 100% confidence in your attorney, how you could be confident in your decision? By getting a second opinion with a criminal defense consultant, you can be sure that the decision you make, is the right one.

If you have the funds, you should always hire the best attorney you can afford. However, if you are stuck with a free or low cost attorney, you do have options to increase your odds of success. Don't be stuck wondering if you should have gone in a different direction. Get the confidence you need with an experienced trial consultant and make the right choice!

For more information, visit the New Jersey Litigation Consultants website.