Public defenders serve an essential role in our Oregon legal system, and many do an outstanding job under difficult circumstances. The reality is that attorneys in this position — certainly those in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and other Portland-area counties — have overwhelming case loads and are challenged to do all that could be done in defense of an accused offender's rights.
Are You Innocent? Is Your Job or Future Stability on the Line?
Many people facing criminal charges themselves or trying to help their children face a difficult decision — whether to hire and pay a criminal defense attorney or accept a public defender. In these difficult economic times, those who have some resources but are eligible for public defense make this choice every day. The decision is especially pivotal if:
- The charge against you or your loved one carries potential consequences such as prison time or long-term juvenile detention and a felony record that could be crippling for the future
- Conviction will cost the accused offender a job or damage future educational prospects, making future financial stability extremely difficult
Tapping Resources to Hire a Dedicated Lawyer May Prove Worth the Investment
It is important to recognize the many ways that diligence and creative legal work on the part of an experienced Portland criminal attorney can make a difference in the outcome of a case.
Our accomplished lawyers spend all the time necessary to understand each client's most important concerns. We thoroughly investigate what happened and explore viable legal challenges to the evidence presented by prosecutors. We project likely outcomes at trial and determine whether negotiation or a plea bargain is the better path.
In contrast, a public defender may be much more time-pressured and have divided focus. This can result in far less effort and resources being expended, acceptance of a guilty plea when a strong defense case could have been built, or other adverse outcomes a Beaverton criminal defense lawyer at our firm might have been able to prevent.
At Helzer Cromar & Schneider, we help clients make informed decisions. This includes, as part of our initial consultation, discussing whether our services will be affordable and likely to deliver long-term value. If you are facing tough legal decisions, we encourage you to call us at 503-608-7851 or send us an e-mail inquiry today.
