How is the Public Defender different from other criminal defense attorneys?
A. Public Defenders are licensed attorneys who have the same qualifications as other criminal defense attorneys. The only difference is in how the attorney gets paid for his services. Criminal defense attorneys are hired by their clients to represent them in criminal court. This is a private, contractual relationship. Public Defenders are appointed to represent their clients and Public Defenders are paid a salary through public funds to represent criminal clients who cannot afford an attorney.
