Normally public defenders are for those who want representation but cannot afford a top dollar lawyer. The state pays public defenders and the defendant pay the court a fee based on their income.
It is your right to have an attorney/representation.
No, public defenders are for those who cannot afford representation, period (though some jurisdictions do distinguish between misdemeanors and felonies for this purpose, as felony defense is significantly more expensive). Defendants never pay for the services of a public defender.
Also, the right to representation is limited to criminal [edit] proceedings [/edit].
jlgreco|13 years ago
rprasad|13 years ago
Also, the right to representation is limited to criminal [edit] proceedings [/edit].