The Constitution guarantees any person who is arrested for a crime an attorney, if they cannot afford to hire one on their own. Although you may think that having a “free” lawyer is an easy decision, there are a number of benefits to hiring a private criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans.
Is a Public Defender a Free Lawyer?
When you are charged with a crime, you are given the option to hire a private lawyer or have a public defender appointed for you, you may think “why would I pay a lawyer when I can get one for free?” The answer is: your public defender is not “free.” First, public defenders usually charge an application fee to determine whether you are eligible for their services. Second, the courts are supposed to impose a $45.00 public defender fee for all convictions in Louisiana as part of court costs. And, the judge may impose additional public defender costs when they assess fines and fees for the case. I’ve even represented clients, who were previously represented by the public defender’s office, where the judge asked my client to pay $150.00 per hour for their public defender.
Who is the best Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Orleans?
There are a number of reasons why using the public defender as your criminal defense attorney is not the best option for your case:
1. Public Defenders are overworked
Think about it. There are many crimes committed each day in Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish and all other Louisiana Parishes. Each case takes several court appearances before it can be resolved. Every public defender is assigned several cases every day. A normal day for a public defender begins with court in the morning where they have as many as 10 hearings, a brisk lunch, followed by an average of five jail visits per afternoon, and then go back to their office to prepare for tomorrow’s hearings. Most public defenders work like this seven days per week. The average public defender is not only physically overwhelmed by the weight of the work, but their emotions are mentally exhausted. Sadly, public defenders are overworked. John Oliver recently reported that public defenders spend an average of 7 minutes on each case.
2. Most public defenders in New Orleans are not from Louisiana
It is no secret that the job market for lawyers is at its worst level in decades. Lawyers are fighting for jobs that are secure and working for a public defender is a pretty secure position. This means that lawyers from all over the country are applying to work with the Public Defender’s Office in New Orleans. Lawyers who are not from Louisiana, or New Orleans, don’t understand how New Orleanians think, act, or the pressures of growing up in a city like ours. Many public defenders come to New Orleans temporarily and then leave—leaving their clients and client’s cases behind.
3. Many public defenders don’t have a long-standing relationship with their Judge
A wise man once said, “There are two kinds of lawyers: A lawyer who knows the law or a lawyer who knows the judge.” It is always smart to hire a lawyer who has a long-standing relationship with the judge built on trust and honesty. When a judge and a lawyer are friendly, the judge will be more willing to allow you to be released on a recognizance bond, be late to court, avoid jail time when you test positive for drug use, or even be more lenient with your sentence if you’re convicted. The better the relationship between the lawyer and the judge, the better your chances for your case.
4. Public defenders don’t have a connection with the District Attorneys from Law School
I went to law school with many of the district attorneys who practice in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and the surrounding parishes. Most public defenders did not. Prosecutors remember me from law school and I remember them. We attend the same alumni events and our children even play on the same sports teams, we attend the same religious centers, and we go to the same charitable events (sometimes we even work together at those events!) This means that I will have more opportunities to talk to them about your case and a better chance of resolving your case in a positive way.
5. Public defenders have so many criminal cases that they have to turn down cases they are assigned
We already know that public defenders are overworked and don’t have the time to put into your case. Public defenders are also turning down cases or putting those in need of a public defender on a waiting list! A public defender is supposed to be assigned no more than about 180 cases per year, but many public defenders have more than twice that in a single year. When public defender’s offices are overwhelmed by caseloads, they have no choice but to turn down clients or put people on waiting lists for services. This means that even if you’re eligible for a public defender and you are facing jail time, you won’t always get one.
What are the benefits of hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you are eligible for a public defender, you should still consider hiring a private criminal defense lawyer to represent you. After you are arrested, call us (and other lawyers) to get a price quote. A private lawyer might actually be more affordable than you think! Here are some considerations you should take into account while searching for a private criminal defense attorney in New Orleans:
1. Our lawyers are not overworked.
We have more than one case, but we don’t take on more cases than we can afford to devote the physical effort and emotional energy into. Our lawyers take the time to listen to your story, your defense, and are there with you every step of the way—from arraignment to trial. We often meet with our clients on weekends, evenings, or by telephone to accommodate their work schedules.
2. We live and work in New Orleans.
I live in Central City and my office is one block from the French Quarter. We have a deep passion for our clients and feel that we have a duty to protect the citizens of Louisiana so they can return to their homes, parade for Mardi Gras, and Second-Line on Sunday afternoons. When our clients are arrested, we do everything we can to help them resume life as it was before their arrest.
3. Crescent City Law works with Judges every day, both inside and outside the Courtroom.
We have a great reputation with all of the Judges in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes and have known them for years.
4. You are paying a lawyer to work for you and your case, and that lawyer’s job is to get results from your money
It’s simple. If you are paying us, you are our clients and we will treat you with the utmost respect, compassion and dedication because not only are we passionate about our fellow citizens, but you are the one paying us and therefore we are going to service you at a very high level.
5. We went to Law School with the District Attorneys and we have known them since before we were all lawyers.
We often have kids on the same sports teams, and volunteer for the same charities. Because of this relationship we have with the District Attorney, we have the ability to talk to the DA and tell him or her what might be necessary to help resolve your case. It is much easier to talk about your case in a social setting than in a combative courtroom.
6. Lawyers cost less than you think.
It’s plain and simple. You should always call a criminal defense lawyer first before getting appointed a public defender. Give Crescent City Law a call if you are curious as to how much it might cost to defend your case. We have lots of different payment options:
- We accept payment plans
- We bill by the hour
- We represent clients for low flat fees in limit circumstance
- We accept payment by cash, check, or credit card.
- We’ve even accepted gifts, services, and other items of value instead of actual money to pay for legal services
You can always call, text, or e-mail us to set up a free initial consultation. You have nothing to lose. If you know someone who has recently been arrested in New Orleans, please take these points into consideration as you make a decision whether to hire a private lawyer or utilize the public defender. You will be surprised how efficient and positive hiring a private lawyer can be to the case.
*In full disclosure, Crescent City Law and John Radziewicz have a contract with Orleans Public Defenders to represent about 50 cases per year.
