Does anyone know free pro bono criminal lawyer(s) in michigan?
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I see this question quite a bit. Usually its from someone who thinks that the public defenders aren't capable of doing a decent job for the defense. Its a common misconception.
Many public defenders are excellent lawyers, who do hundreds of criminal cases each year. They therefore know the criminal defense process inside and out. In many cases they are some of the best criminal defense attorneys in a particular county, simply because they have the most experience in it.
Criminal defense is an exacting work, and it it time intensive. Its rare you will find someone at the private bar willing to defend for free when there are public defenders available. If there is a public defender assigned, but you don't feel that he/she is doing an adequate job, make an appointment and sit down with the attorney and give your reasons. Ask him/her to explain what's going on until you understand what they are doing and why. If you don't agree, then you can ask them to do something different, or ask for a different public defender to be assigned.
Or, you can hire private counself. They will cost some money, but will also have less of a caseload and perhaps be more sympathetic to your wishes.
Remember: an attorney, private, public or pro bono, can't accomplish the impossible. If the person is guilty, and the state can prove it beyond reasonable doubt, then their job is mostly damage mitigation, and to arrange the best deal possible.
For more information or a referral, contact your local or state bar association.
Well without more detail on how your friend is getting screwed, get a public defender. If she's getting screwed by the public defender she can either A. ask for a new one, or B. hit the yellow pages and see if anyone is willing to work pro bono.
Sucks, but that's about the best you can do.
Doesn't she go to a pre trial hearing and the judge will assign a county attorney to her if she cannot afford one ? It's in her Miranda Rights.
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