“Will a court-appointed lawyer fight for me?”
When facing a felony or misdemeanor charge in court, you will want an attorney who will do everything possible to secure the best possible outcome. With an appointed attorney, you get the luck of the draw.
The Judge or Court Administrator appoints a Court-Appointed Lawyer.
If you face criminal charges in Michigan, it may be tempting to opt for a court-appointed attorney, also known as a public defender, to represent you. For individuals concerned about incurring significant legal fees, enlisting the help of a court-appointed lawyer may initially seem like a practical and economically responsible decision. For many, a court-appointed lawyer is often the only option available. While accepting a court-appointed lawyer is undoubtedly better than attempting to handle your own case, you may receive a defense that is lacking in quality and a resolution that is not desirable, if not disastrous. The bottom line is that with a public defender, the court will select your lawyer from a list of attorneys who work for discount fees, are frequently overburdened, and you will not have an opportunity to pick your own attorney.
What are the disadvantages of being assigned a court-appointed attorney?
One of the most significant disadvantages of accepting a public defender to represent you is that you have no say in who is assigned. Court-appointed attorneys are assigned randomly, and your fate will be up to the luck of the draw. Because courts pay appointed lawyers only a fraction of an average private retainer fee, they must be internally motivated to provide the best representation to their clients. Unfortunately, this is not the case with many appointed lawyers. Clients who dropped their court-appointed lawyer frequently say it was because they didn’t feel like they had their best interests at heart, didn’t take time to communicate and return calls, or seemed not to care about the case’s outcome.
Some court-appointed lawyers will attempt to persuade their clients to plead guilty and accept a plea bargain to avoid the time and effort required for trial preparation. They try to avoid trial because the fees paid to court-appointed attorneys are minimal. Underpaid and overwhelmed with the workload, many good, ethical lawyers do not have the time or energy to invest in fighting for your best interest. Therefore, many court-appointed attorneys would rather settle and plead a case out rather than fight. In other words, some appointed lawyers prioritize their own best interests over those of their clients. No client should ever accept that circumstance.
Are Court-Appointed Attorneys Good at Returning Calls and Communicating?
It’s not uncommon to hear from clients who previously used public defenders that their lawyers failed to return their calls and emails, showing a lack of interest in fighting on their behalf. A lack of interest or effort is common because the court-appointed system does not cover the costs of many of the ordinary tasks a lawyer must undertake in a case. Unfortunately, as with most circumstances in life, you get what you pay for in the legal system.
The first court date is called an arraignment, during which a judge informs you of the charges and sets a bond. Arraignment is a critical stage in the proceedings and can set the tone for the balance of the case. A prepared, retained attorney gives you the best chance to get out on bond and not get stuck in jail while the case goes through the court system. With a retained attorney, they will get case records, police reports, and other evidence in advance of the pretrial or preliminary hearing. Obtaining records early and taking the time to prepare are significant advantages in court. A court-appointed attorney will likely know nothing about you or your charges at the time of arraignment, which puts you at a significant disadvantage.
What options are available if I want to hire a private lawyer?
When your livelihood, reputation, and freedom are on the line, doesn’t it make sense to invest in the very best legal representation? If things do not work out in your best interest, you cannot go back in time and get a “do-over” just because you had a bargain-priced lawyer. Many clients have learned the painful lesson that the cost of using a court-appointed lawyer (including damage to reputation, employability, jail, and family problems) is substantial and justifies hiring a reputable, experienced, privately retained attorney.
Should I just stick with an appointed lawyer?
Many appointed lawyers work diligently, but heavy caseloads limit the time they can devote to any single case. That pressure often prompts clients to opt for quick pleas instead of a tailored, effective, and strong defense. The issue usually isn’t skill. It’s bandwidth. Conversely, other court-appointed attorneys are not very good and lack the necessary skill, experience, or dedication to provide the protection and defense their clients deserve.
Some cases demand more. Serious charges, complex evidence, or high exposure require focused investigation and strategic motion work. Those steps take time that overloaded lawyers rarely have. When someone’s future is on the line, the margin for a rushed defense disappears.
Anyone facing real consequences should ask whether an appointed lawyer can devote the necessary attention to achieve the best possible outcome. If the answer is unclear, the risk falls on the client.
What is the best alternative to a court-appointed lawyer in Michigan?
Many people in Michigan search for the best alternative to a court-appointed lawyer when they are uncertain about whether court-appointed attorneys are good for the level of risk they face. Most appointed lawyers work diligently; however, heavy caseloads limit the time they can devote to strategy, investigation, and negotiation. That gap prompts clients to seek representation that can deliver a stronger focus and better results.
A genuine alternative offers what overloaded lawyers cannot. Time to dig into the evidence, skill to challenge weak points, and a defense plan tailored to the client’s goals. Serious charges require a lawyer who can stay proactive, rather than reacting to deadlines or plea pressure. Clients need confidence that their lawyer has the capacity to do the work that moves the needle.
LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. provides that level of advocacy. We provide clients with a focused and strategic defense that respects the stakes of the case and delivers the attention many hope to receive from court-appointed counsel.
Unparalleled Track Record of Success Representing Thousands of Clients in Michigan
The dedicated, experienced, and zealous defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully represented thousands of clients in Michigan. We have a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality and aggressive representation, while showing empathy and care for each client. Contact us for a confidential and complimentary consultation. We will take the time to talk with you and answer your questions. Most importantly, we will not let you down!
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
Frequently Asked Questions About Court-Appointed Attorneys
What does it mean to have a court-appointed attorney in a criminal case?
A court-appointed attorney represents you when you cannot afford private counsel. The court pays that lawyer. Many appointed lawyers care deeply about their clients. The court system still limits their time, resources, and flexibility. These limits can affect strategy, preparation, and personal attention.
Are court-appointed attorneys as effective as private criminal defense lawyers?
Some appointed lawyers do excellent work. The system they work in rarely provides them with the bandwidth to match the focus and strategy that a retained lawyer offers. A private lawyer controls their caseload, invests more time in investigation, and builds a stronger defense plan that fits your goals. This difference often shapes the outcome of the case.
Why do court-appointed attorneys have heavy caseloads?
Judges assign appointed cases based on need, not capacity. Many appointed lawyers receive a constant stream of cases. High volume forces them to move quickly. They often cannot spend hours on investigation, motions, discovery review, and client communication. A retained lawyer can prioritize those steps.
Can I trust a court-appointed lawyer to fight for me?
Yes. Most appointed lawyers work hard and care about their clients. The structural limits of the system, not the lawyer’s commitment, cause the most problems. You still deserve a defense team that has the time, experience, and resources to take every possible step on your behalf.
When should I consider hiring a private criminal defense lawyer instead of relying on a court-appointed lawyer?
You should consider private counsel when you face jail or prison, felony charges, complex allegations, or accusations that threaten your career or immigration status. High stakes require a lawyer who can devote significant time to strategy, preparation, and negotiation. A retained lawyer offers that level of attention.
Do court-appointed attorneys get paid less than private lawyers?
Yes. Public funds pay their fees, which often falls far below market rates. Lower compensation limits the amount of time they can devote to each client. A private lawyer sets their own fee and tailors their work to the needs of each case.
Can I request a different court-appointed lawyer if I feel mine is not helping me?
You can ask the judge for a new lawyer. You must show good cause. Judges rarely grant these requests. The court focuses on whether the lawyer is competent, not whether the client feels heard. A retained lawyer gives you control over who represents you and how they approach your defense.
What are the biggest disadvantages of having a court-appointed attorney?
Common issues include limited communication time, rushed preparation, fewer resources, and less control over strategy. The lawyer may want to do more, yet the structure of the appointed system restricts them. These limits can weaken your position during plea negotiations, evidentiary challenges, and trial work.
Do court-appointed attorneys handle trials, or do they push clients to plead guilty?
Many appointed lawyers try cases when needed. Heavy caseloads and time pressure can lead to an increase in plea recommendations. A retained lawyer has the bandwidth to prepare for trial, negotiate from a position of strength, and challenge the prosecution at every step.
Will a private criminal defense lawyer get me a better outcome?
No lawyer can promise a result. A private lawyer does have more time to investigate, prepare, negotiate, and fight. That added attention often uncovers defenses, exposes weak evidence, or strengthens your bargaining position. These advantages can improve the outcome.
Why do people say a retained lawyer pays for themselves in the long run?
A conviction can cost far more than legal fees. Jail, fines, probation terms, employment limits, and social consequences create serious long-term harm. A retained lawyer invests the time needed to reduce those risks, which can protect your future and your freedom.
How do I know if I can afford a private lawyer?
Many defense firms offer flexible payment options. Some firms accept staged payments tied to the progress of the case. A consultation helps you understand cost, strategy, and value. You should never assume you cannot afford skilled representation.
Should I still consult with a private lawyer even if I already have a court-appointed attorney?
Yes. A consultation provides clarity and helps you understand your options. You can compare strategies, review the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and evaluate the level of attention your defense requires. This comparison helps you make an informed decision.
