Every day, we’re faced with important decisions. Some carry more weight than others, and today, we’re going to talk about one of the biggest choices a person can make – choosing an attorney to represent you when you’re in trouble. If you’re facing charges in Kitsap County, your choice of criminal defense attorneys could change everything.
Public defenders work hard, but they often face overwhelming caseloads and limited resources that can leave you without the individualized attention your case deserves. When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, having a focused, aggressive, and compassionate legal team can make all the difference.
Located in Port Orchard, LaCross & Murphy has represented countless individuals in Kitsap County facing DUI charges, assault charges, drug offenses, and other felony charges. We understand the local courts, the prosecutors, and how to build strong, personalized defense strategies.
In this blog, we’ll explain why choosing a public defender for your Kitsap County criminal case could be the nail in the coffin before your case even begins and how a private defense attorney like those at LaCross & Murphy can ensure your rights will be protected, no matter what.
The #1 Reason You Shouldn’t Rely on a Public Defender
Public defenders are typically assigned to cases through the court system, and in most counties, including Kitsap, they’re managing dozens or even hundreds of cases at once.
Put yourself in their shoes for a second: imagine your workload at your 9-5 becomes overwhelming due to sheer demand. To complete all your responsibilities, you may rush through certain tasks, maybe with less attention to detail than you’d typically have when your workload is manageable. That doesn’t make you a bad employee; you’re simply doing what you need to keep the ship afloat. The same goes for public defenders.
While they may be dedicated attorneys, the volume of their workload makes it difficult to:
- Return calls in a timely manner
- Thoroughly review case details
- Investigate new leads or evidence
- Spend time preparing you for court
When you hire a private defense attorney, you’re hiring someone who can devote more time and energy to your unique case, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Other Reasons Public Defenders May Not Give Your Case the Attention It Deserves
You May Not Get to Choose Who Represents You
One of the biggest differences between hiring a private Kitsap County criminal defense lawyer and working with a public defender is control. If you go with a public defender, the court assigns one to your case, meaning you don’t have a say over who your lawyer is. That means you don’t get to choose an attorney based on:
- Their communication style
- Their level of experience
- Their familiarity with cases like yours
That’s not the case with private attorneys like LaCross & Murphy. You’ll know from the start who’s representing you. And you’ll be in the driver’s seat, able to choose an attorney who makes you feel confident, heard, and supported.
Less Time for Case Preparation and Court Strategy
Criminal cases in Kitsap County require strategy, research, and a deep understanding of both the law and the local court system. A public defender may only have minutes to review your file before a court hearing. That lack of preparation time can:
- Hurt your chances of a favorable result
- Limit your defense options
- Make it harder to identify legal issues in your case
Private attorneys generally have the bandwidth to fully investigate the charges against you, explore alternative resolutions, and advocate for you with a personalized approach. That kind of focus can be especially important in more serious cases, like DUIs.
David LaCross, founder of LaCross & Murphy, has completed countless trainings in DUI defense. He understands not only how to best defend against a DUI charge, but he also knows what goes into the standard sobriety field tests that law enforcement officers often conduct.
He knows the process and, more importantly, knows how to identify mistakes made by law enforcement, either in the field or in the lab, to strengthen your defense. A public defender simply doesn’t have the resources and specialized knowledge required to give all clients the personalized attention they deserve.
Limited Communication and Accessibility
When you’re facing criminal charges, you want answers. You want to know what’s going on, what to expect next, and how your defense is progressing. But many public defenders struggle to:
- Respond quickly to phone calls or emails
- Keep clients in the loop
- Provide updates between court dates
A private attorney is not only more accessible but also committed to communication. We keep you informed, answer your questions, and make sure you’re never left in the dark about your own case.
Besides, facing a criminal charge is often the most overwhelming and scary thing someone will ever face in their life. You deserve someone who is available to you whenever you have a question about your case, want to review your defense strategy, or just need reassurance that someone is in your corner during a time when it can feel like the whole world is against you.
One-Size-Fits-All Defense Can Hurt Your Outcome
No two criminal cases are alike, especially when it comes to DUI defense, drug charges, or assault allegations. Unfortunately, many public defenders, due to time and resource constraints, are forced to use more generic legal strategies that might not fully apply to your situation.
Hiring a private defense team means getting a defense that’s built around you, your story, and your goals. At LaCross & Murphy, we:
- Carefully analyze police reports and evidence
- Question procedures and legality of the arrest
- Seek reduced charges or case dismissal when possible
Having someone truly focused on your side of the story can result in a more favorable outcome.
When Should You Consider Hiring a Private Defense Attorney?
While everyone has the right to a public defender, you shouldn’t leave your future in the hands of an attorney who is probably overwhelmed and overworked. Your best shot at justice comes from hiring a private attorney:
- When you’re facing a serious charge like DUI, domestic violence, or felony assault
- When your case involves complex circumstances
- When you want more say and control over your legal strategy
- When your career, family, or future opportunities are on the line
In these situations, hiring a private Kitsap County criminal defense firm like LaCross & Murphy can give you peace of mind and a better chance at a fresh start.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at LaCross & Murphy Today!
If you’re deciding between a public defender and a private defense attorney, make the call that gives you more control over your future.
Our office offers free consultations with a top Kitsap County attorney and is ready to help you protect your rights and freedom. Contact us today at 360-447-9365 or visit our website to request a confidential consultation.
We’re here to protect your rights, fight for your future, and help you move forward with confidence.
