A government-employed lawyer who represents criminal defendants who cannot afford private counsel.
What public defenders do
Public defenders interview clients, investigate cases, file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate plea agreements, and try cases at the trial and appellate levels. They handle high caseloads of misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile cases, mental health proceedings, and appeals.
Training path
US public defenders are licensed attorneys hired by county, state, or federal defender offices. Many begin as line defenders covering misdemeanor courts before moving to felony or capital cases. Some offices provide formal trial training and mentorship.
Practice scope
Public defender offices represent indigent defendants in criminal cases, juvenile delinquency proceedings, civil commitment hearings, and post-conviction matters. Federal defender offices represent clients in federal criminal trials and appeals.
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Public Defender starts with P and ends with R. Browse other professions along the same letter.
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