A: Like private attorneys, there are good and bad ones, but if you are assigned to a bad one, it's difficult to switch unless you subsequently hire private counsel.

Public Defenders are notoriously overworked. While there are the good aspects I mentioned above, but their caseload doesn't allow them the luxury to spend any significant amount of time with any one client. It's not their fault - just a reality of too many cases and not enough time. Private attorneys will be able to spend more time discussing your case, the options and strategy with you.

Attorneys from the public defender's office start with low-level offenses (such as misdemeanor DUI cases) and work their way up. If you have no job or assets, your case may not be assigned to an attorney with very much experience (as far as number of years practicing law).

Depending on the court and the number of public defenders, if you have no job or assets, you will usually get assigned based upon which attorney is "next in line".

Another problem with a public defender is assigned all types of case by the court. This does not allow the public defender to really focus on one area of law and they have to be more versed in all areas. I am fortunate to only represent individuals charged with DUI; therefore, I can concentrate on one particular practice area.

Hopefully you will have the opportunity to gather enough funds to contact a private attorney in your area that focuses on representing individuals charged with DUI.

http://www.sandiegodui.com