Why public defenders have a short lifespan
From public defender blogger A Daddy, A Mommy and a Tater Tot:
I appeared with my client at a Jury Trial Management Hearing today. I told my client that the State agreed to dismiss the charges against him if he agreed to return ownership of a car to its original owner without contesting title (he was charged with buying a stolen car having reason to know it was stolen). My client asserted his innocence from the beginning, and I actually believe him, but the car would have gone back to the original owner anyway. If the case had gone to trial, he was facing 10-35 years.Sphere: Related ContentMy client agreed to the dismissal and to relinquish any claim to valid title. Then he told me that he had no respect for me or confidence in me because he disagreed with the way we investigated the case on his behalf.
I guess it wasn’t enough that our investigation raised enough doubt before trial to eliminate his exposure to prison completely. A simple “thank you” would have sufficed; saying nothing would have sufficed, too.
6 comments
[...] here, just busy. I’ve been having a little fun helping out at PD Stuff here and here, while also applying for jobs, searching for jobs, trying to network, oh, and don’t forget [...]
I’m sorry but PD are like garbage men, who do not get thank you’s either.
I was once fired by a client after I managed to get him acquitted at a jury trial of two counts of lewd conduct with a minor. H e told me he just didn’t think I worked hard enough for him. He then hired another lawyer and was convicted of felony charges in another case. I was also sued by a client because I got the prosecuting attorney to dismiss felony aggravated assault charges against her. If you want our clients to say thanks, I would say you are looking for love in all the wrong places.
I love what you are saying, and the glimpse inside, as so many of us can identify with you. However, I am a bit concerned that you are potentially violating atty client privilege by pointing out that it was a real client that could potentially be identified…. just a thought. Anyway, keep up the good work.
I don’t have to deal with that assumption very much; people tend to know that public defender money isn’t the same as other attorney money. However, the most common assumption is that we are public defenders because we couldn’t get a job anywhere else.
I’m sorry but PD are like garbage men, who do not get thank you’s either.
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