Can a Public Defender Properly Handle Your Criminal Case? Think Twice Before Asking for a Public Defender
Public defenders in California are unable to provide an adequate defense due to a shortage of lawyers and being assigned too many cases, the American Civil Liberties Union said in a recent lawsuit filed by three defendants. In the suit filed against the Fresno County Public Defender’s Office, the ACLU claims defendants in the county are denied their Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial and Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection under the Constitution, a situation that is happening in public defenders’ offices throughout California.
A lack of funding for public defenders’ offices in California has resulted in heavy caseloads and fewer public defenders being available to represent defendants. According to the ACLU, this violates the California Constitution and California penal code. This situation illustrates why it is important that you hire a criminal defense law firm who has the ability to work on your case and provide you with the best defense possible.
Hire a Criminal Lawyer Who Has Time for You
In California, it has become increasingly difficult for defendants using a public defender to obtain justice. ACLU attorney Novella Coleman told the Los Angeles Daily Journal that public defenders in California are getting as many as 80 new clients per day. According to the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, public defenders should handle a maximum of 150 felony cases per year. Currently, California public defenders are handling an average of more than 400 felony cases each year.
One plaintiff in the lawsuit says he spent a year in jail before he was even interviewed by a public defender, and he was assigned nine different public defenders during that time. All nine of those public defenders said they did not have time to work on his case and advised him to plead guilty even though there was strong evidence to prove he is innocent.
If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you have an attorney who will take the time to review the facts of your case and work with you to create a potentially winning strategy for your defense.
Call a Criminal Defense Attorney at Wallin & Klarich Today
An experienced private criminal defense attorney will provide you with the best possible defense against criminal charges. If you are accused of a crime, you need to speak with a skilled criminal lawyer immediately. At Wallin & Klarich, our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys have been successfully defending our clients facing criminal charges for over 40 years. We have helped thousands of clients obtain the best possible outcome in their cases, and we can help you now.
With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, our skilled criminal defense attorneys are available to help you no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
