Ever wonder what’s the difference between the cases that end in crushing life sentences and the ones where defendants walk free?
Hint: it’s not always what happens in the courtroom.
Take a look at any high profile criminal case and you’ll see one common trend. The defendant’s attorney.
Whether it’s Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, O.J. Simpson, or any other celebrity defendant — having the right attorney on your side can mean everything.
The problem is…
Most criminal defendants don’t realize what to look for in a good attorney. And a lot of people believe they have no choice at all.
In this article you’ll learn:
- How important your attorney really is
- Lessons you can learn from high profile criminal cases
- Public defender eligibility requirements
- How to choose the right criminal defense attorney for your case
How Important Your Attorney Is
If you were to ask most people charged with a crime what matters most for their case, few would say “attorney.”
But proper legal representation is actually the biggest factor.
Here’s why…
Analysis from the RAND Corporation found that public defenders from urban firms in 33 states had caseloads 3 times larger than what’s recommended.
This leaves little time for each defendant to get the attention their case deserves.
Keep in mind these defenders are expected to handle every aspect of the case. From initial investigation to filing motions and even making appearances in court.
When you couple that with the fact that approximately 80% of defendants are eligible for a public defender because they can’t afford an attorney in state courts… You have a seriously broken system.
Knowing public defender eligibility requirements is important if you find yourself in a criminal case. But understanding whether you or your loved one will get adequate attention from a public defender is equally important. Learning how and when to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Denver could make all the difference.
Lessons From High Profile Cases
High profile cases shine a spotlight on criminal defense attorneys like never before. They allow us to see what excellent representation really looks like.
The Karen Read Case
Karen Read was charged with murder in 2024 for the death of Boston Police Officer, John O’Keefe. The case against her seemed cut-and-dry for prosecutors at the start. However, her attorneys took an aggressive approach to her defense. Slowly picking away at the evidence against her. The result? A hung jury in the first trial and complete acquittal at the second trial in 2025.
Read didn’t win her case by chance. She won because she had knowledgeable attorneys who could dedicate the time and resources her case required.
Now consider…
What happens when a defendant doesn’t get the time and attention their case needs? Odds are it doesn’t end well.
When an attorney is bogged down under a massive pile of cases like public defenders often are… Important details start to slip through the cracks. Case investigations aren’t handled. Motions are not filed. Witness interviews aren’t conducted. Evidence is not disputed.
Look at any high profile case and you’ll see examples of defenders doing everything in their power to represent their client. But you’ll also see what happens when adequate resources and preparation aren’t on your side.
Public Defender Eligibility Requirements
If you don’t have the financial means to hire your own private attorney, you might qualify for a public defender. But did you know that each state has different criteria?
Here’s the basics of how it works:
In order to qualify, a defendant must prove to the court that they do not have enough money to hire a private attorney. This is where financial records come into play.
Courts will review information like income, assets, monthly bills, and more to determine if you’re able to afford hiring an attorney. If you pass their requirements, you’ll be approved for a public defender.
Keep in mind that each state has different eligibility requirements. And each court will take things like annual income and monthly expenses differently.
While the majority of states have standards judges must follow, public defender eligibility is determined at the judge’s discretion in some states.
How To Pick The Right Criminal Defense Attorney
You already know that hiring the right criminal defense attorney is important. But how do you know who is right for you?
Before getting into that… Here’s a secret you should know.
Whether you hire a private attorney or qualify for a public defender, you have a choice.
Public defenders are attorneys too. They went to law school and have the same degree as the guy advertising on tv. But there are some advantages and disadvantages to each side.
Here’s how to choose the best criminal defense attorney:
Focus on experience.
Not all criminal attorneys are created equal. Just like you wouldn’t hire a heart surgeon to perform eye surgery, you should be careful who specializes in criminal law.
There are attorneys who focus on DUIs while others focus on violent crimes and everything in between. Make sure the attorney you choose to represent you has experience with the charge you’re facing.
Know their caseload.
This goes hand in hand with experience. An attorney who is overworked or isn’t interested in your case won’t be able to give you the time you need.
Ask about their caseload before agreeing to work with them.
Research their track record.
Similar to experience, you should look up previous case results. You can learn a lot about how attorneys handle cases by looking through their past defenses.
Remember those high profile cases mentioned earlier? They aren’t famous because their attorneys didn’t know what they were doing. If you find an attorney with a long history of successful case results, you may have found yourself a winner.
Communication is key.
Every client wants to know what’s going on with their case. A good defense attorney will keep you updated every step of the way.
They should explain the process, answer your questions in a timely manner, and never leave you wondering what’s going on.
Act quickly.
Time is of the essence when dealing with a criminal case. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the sooner they can begin building your defense.
Building rapport with clients, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses take time. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Wrap Up
High profile cases give a glimpse into the reality of the criminal defense world. What often comes to light are defendants who have tons of resources and defendants who are left scrambling to find answers.
The same thing happens every day in courts all over the country. The difference is there are no cameras watching the hearings.
Whether your case is national news or not, you deserve a vigorous defense.
Remember:
- Not everyone qualifies for a public defender and each state has different eligibility requirements.
- Public defenders are usually talented attorneys that are overworked because legal aid is understaffed and under-funded.
- Private attorneys have more time to dedicate to your case but do your research before hiring anyone.
- Experience, caseload, and past client reviews are important when choosing who will represent you.
