QUESTION
Do I have options other than a public defender?
Asked on Aug 20th, 2017 on Criminal Law - Florida
More details to this question:
Do criminal attorneys allow payment plans or anything similar? I was arrested for felony drug possession. I'm in Florida and my scoresheet adds up to 16 points so the punishment, although inconvenient, will not be extremely harsh. At arraignment they said my case was flagged for early disposition and the judge explained that meant a deal had been prepared and I would need to meet with the public defenders office and discuss it soon as it would expire. I did as he suggested and met with a public defender who was less than helpful. She told me the offer but wouldn't answer any questions. I explained that the officers audio contradicts his statement claiming I provided consent to search, I've heard it already. I was under the impression for the first time since this began I could ask questions and receive guidance and suggestions, likelihood of outcomes, anything. She said she couldn't answer my questions until I accepted or declined, forcing me to decide completely uninformed.
1 ANSWER
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There are numerous criminal defense attorneys who have payment plans. However, most of the criminal defense attorneys of which I'm aware require a initial retainer to be paid at the time of entering into a representation agreement. I believe you will find that, although the amount of the initial retainer varies substantially from one attorney to another, it will be difficult to find a private attorney to accept your case unless you can come up with at least $500 or more for an initial retainer. But maybe that's just the attorneys I know. So, if you're interested in obtaining a private attorney to represent you, you should contact some to find out what they would charge. Aos, even if you get a private attorney to represent you, it's possible that he/she will not be able to answer any more of your questions than the attorney from the Public Defender's Office. It could be the attorney did not have access to what is called "discovery" -- and, therefore, could not answer the questions you had.
Answered on Aug 21st, 2017 at 2:49 PM