Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

A criminal defendant who cannot afford to hire a lawyer is entitled to one at government expense, and the judge will appoint the public defender.

For some reason, many criminal defendants distrust public defenders and think they will find someone who will do a better job for free. However, lawyers are like doctors, mechanics, plumbers and anyone else who provides a service for a living; they have nothing to sell but their time, and they won't stay in business long if they give it all away.

Public defenders tend to have large caseloads and don't have a lot of time to hold clients' hands, but most are pretty good lawyers. Their offices also have essential support services, like private investigators.

Mr. Marshall is right. Sometimes lawyers will take criminal cases pro bono, but that generally happens when an important legal issue is at stake or where there is strong reason to believe the defendant is innocent. All you have told us about this case is that it might involve a third strike, which would not be enough to meet either of these tests.

Borrow the money from your mother. 25 years is a long time to regret your decision to use the public defender.

It's called the Public Defender. Apply for it if you can't afford private counsel. If you can afford it, and if the case is in SoCal, feel free to contact me.