Understanding the Challenges of Changing Your Public Defender
Can you change your public defender? Hi, my name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for almost eight years now, and I want to help you make law easy by talking about what to do when it’s not working out with your court-appointed attorney.
This situation is a bit different than if you had privately hired an attorney and wanted to change them out. The courts are more hesitant to let you swap out attorneys when you have a court-appointed counsel. This is because there’s only a limited number of attorneys available on that contract or court-appointed list to represent you.
The Selection and Availability of Public Defenders
Depending on the size of the county you’re in, I’ve seen counties that have an army of public defenders ready to go in case of an issue. Conversely, I’ve seen counties where there are only three on the contract. If you have an issue with one, the other two may not want to take your case.
So, it differs from having a private attorney due to the limited availability of court-appointed public defenders compared to privately hired counsel, which can be hired at a moment’s notice. When you’re appointed an attorney, you don’t typically get to pick which attorney represents you.
When Can a Public Defender Be Changed?
The court is typically not enthusiastic about allowing you to switch attorneys if things aren’t working out. If you’re unhappy with your public defender, you must present a compelling reason why the partnership isn’t effective and why you need someone else.
If you have questions about this or you’re already unhappy with your court-appointed attorney, definitely give me a call. Importantly, it’s almost always possible to switch from a public defender for a privately hired attorney. It’s when you’re trying to switch one public defender for another that courts might be hesitant to agree.
Exploring Your Legal Options
If you have questions about your situation, give me a call. Even if you’re simply looking to go from one public defender to another, I’m happy to discuss your case, explore your options, and see if we can find a creative solution to help you out.
Schedule a Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session
If you need guidance or wish to discuss your case, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m Carl Birkhead with Wirth Law Office, dedicated to making law easy for you. Let’s explore your options together. Call a Tulsa felony attorney at 918-879-1681 for a low-cost initial strategy session.
