I have been charged with a 3rd degree felony I cannot afford an attorney I'm scared can i afford to trust a public defender

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1. Licensed in FL

   

   David S KatzPro

   Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

   

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   Answered November 29, 2012 11:02. For criminal cases you go to the court and ask for the public defender to be appointed. You should also be careful of admissions you make in public forums as they can be used against you. Good Luck.

   Although AVVO answers provide a starting point, nothing replaces the opinion of a qualified DUI defense attorney... moreAlthough AVVO answers provide a starting point, nothing replaces the opinion of a qualified DUI defense attorney knowledgable about the Judges and prosecutors near you. You should consult a local lawyer for legal advice. Www.orlandocriminalteam.com Www.orlandoduiteam.com Www.orlandoduilawfirm.com Www.flduilawfirm.com Www.orlandodivorceteam.com less

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2. Licensed in FL

   

   Jonathan HackworthPro

   Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 16

   

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   Answered November 29, 2012 11:06. First and foremost, immediately stop posting details about your case. Your post could be used against you later by prosecutors and or police if they can connect you. You have listed your location, age and are facing relatively unique charges, it would not take much to connect you to the allegations against you by authorities. Please immediately stop posting details about your case.
   
   Secondly, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. You are facing very serious charges. Give me a call for a case consultation 813-444-8630. Good luck.

   This answer does not, nor is it intended to, create an attorney-client relationship or constitute attorney... moreThis answer does not, nor is it intended to, create an attorney-client relationship or constitute attorney advertising. Rather, it is offered solely for informational purposes. The facts of each case are different and unique, it is critical to consult with qualified counsel with whom information can be shared and assessed under attorney-client privilege, so that competent and quality advice can be obtained on which you can make informed decisions less

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3. Licensed in FL

   

   Colleen M. GlennPro

   Bradenton Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 15

   

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   Answered November 29, 2012 11:31. The judge will appoint a public defender to represent you at your arraignment assuming you don't make too much money. If this is your first offense you may be offered a pre trial diversion program which, if completed successfully, will result in the criminal charges being dropped. Feel free to contact me with any other questions. Good luck!
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4. Licensed in FL

   

   Thomas Almquist

   Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

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   Answered November 29, 2012 12:10. Yes you can trust a public defender. They are a "pro bono attorney" that you are looking for.
   Like in any profession, there are some that are better than others, but they are all qualified attorneys. None of them are there for the money. They are doing this often thankless work to help people like you; people who did something they regret and can't afford a private attorney. Ask for a public defender, talk to them about your situation and NO ONE ELSE. Good luck.

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5. Licensed in FL

   

   Joseph RegistratoPro

   Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney

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   Answered November 29, 2012 12:15. You'll have to be very lucky to find a pro bono lawyer to handle a criminal case such as this because most lawyers I know have expenses such as salaries, rent, like everybody else, and people think the lawyers are all rich but that is absolutely not true. Of course it's not just as simple as "choosing" between a private lawyer and a public defender. You have to qualify for the services of the public defender, but if you have no income or assets, you will qualify. Not "trusting" him isn't going to be your choice, unless you come up with the money to hire one.

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