Private Attorney vs. Public Defender [Infographic]

If a defendant is too poor to hire a lawyer, the court will appoint an attorney for free. But unless there’s a conflict of interests, neither the client nor lawyer has a choice in the assignment. The Criminal Justice Degrees Schools infographic spells out such differences between these types of legal representation.

Defendants charged with violent crimes and rapes are represented seven percent of the time by private attorneys compared to four percent of the time by public defenders. Yet four out of five defendants financially qualify for public defenders. Below are additional, interesting facts on criminal cases, and for more information on criminal law and attorneys, check out Lawyers.com.

Infographic by Criminal Justice Degree Schools