We are NOT Public Pretenders

I know this issue has probably been presented before, probably hundreds of times; but I can't tell you how sick I am of people calling us Public Pretenders. In reality, we are often more experienced, dedicated ,and diverse than private counsel (sorry guys. Don't take it personal).

I can't tell you how many times during the docket a private attorney has leaned over and asked me what to do next; or how many times they have called me and asked me what to charge, or how the process works, or what I think they should do. I mean, come on. Give me a break.

As for clients, they should be thankful they have a public defender. I mean, first of all, they probably couldn't afford to pay a private attorney (DUH!), and secondly, we deal only with criminal law. We are not sidetracked with divorces, civil filing dealines, and pre trial conferences. We do not dabble in the area of criminal law. We are dedicated foot solidiers to the pursuit of justice. We only practice in criminal law. We familiarize ourselves with the ever changing seas of law, and the special sentencing and bond rules that come attached to it.

Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of private attorneys that are good, really good. But I am sick and tired of getting a bad rap. I work my @## off to provide each client I serve with quality representation. I do the best I can with what I have. I make it work. And, remember, we're attorneys, not magicians.