In short, a private defense attorney does not have the burdensome caseload of a public defender and can give greater time and attention to a specific case and client. Having a private lawyer enables an accused to discuss their case, prepare their defense, and have a “game plan” prior to appearing in court. In addition to wanting to choose the lawyer that defends them, the accused often hire a private lawyer to get greater access and attention. Therefore, even if a person qualifies for the public defender, they may decide to hire a private defense attorney because they want to choose their lawyer. Likewise, they are not entitled to the same lawyer for each court appearance. Many public defenders are also excellent trial lawyers.Īn accused may need to hire a private criminal defense lawyer if they do not qualify for the services of the public defender because they make or have too much money.įurther, while an indigent person is entitled to a free lawyer, they are not entitled to the lawyer of their choice. Many devote their professional life to representing indigent criminal defendants free of charge. Public defenders are often very experienced criminal defense lawyers. The public defender is free to anyone who financially qualifies.Having a lawyer is always advisable when confronted with a criminal case. No case is “easy” and too many things can go wrong when people are involved. Further, courts are subject to human error. Even if it could, the Internet cannot prepare one for the courtroom. Few people should.Īs this article suggests, DUI law is extremely complex. Anyone can represent themselves in a DUI prosecution.If a bench warrant has been issued against you, it is best to immediately contact a lawyer to start the process of getting it lifted. A bench warrant will likely be discovered upon having any police contact and can result in unnecessary jail time. Bench warrants are unpleasant and have a way of resolving themselves in the most inconvenient manner. They will also be issued if a suspect’s mail is returned to the court as undeliverable. Bench warrants are issued when an accused failed to appear as directed.I sometimes make arraignments for my clients to appear for processing the day of their preliminary hearing. I advise my clients to appear for fingerprinting but to remain silent concerning the facts and circumstanced of their case. Suspects are immediately reassessed upon being processed. The ruled of criminal procedure require that all people charged with a misdemeanor or felony are processes (fingerprinted and photographed). Likewise, the accused may also receive a notice to get fingerprinted.The accused must appear a bench warrant will be issued for their arrest. At the time the criminal complaint is sent, the accused is also sent a notice to appear in court.Regardless, even if a case is dismissed for defects in the complaint, it can be re-filed. Thus, any errors can be corrected and are unlikely to result in the case being dismissed unless they impact the substance of the case. It is important to note that criminal complaints are freely amendable.This means that he police have two (2) years from the date of the offense to file the charges. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for DUI is two (2) years.It also contains an affidavit of probable cause that is the arresting officer’s narrative version of the crime It identifies the accused and the charges filed in the case.
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