What is the difference between federal prosecutors and federal public defenders?

Federal prosecutors are the attorneys responsible for prosecuting federal crimes and enforcing federal laws. They are employed by the US Attorney’s Office, which represents the United States federal government in all civil and criminal cases. Federal prosecutors are responsible for investigating alleged violations of federal law, interviewing and gathering witness statements, preparing cases for court, and prosecuting defendants in federal court. In contrast, federal public defenders are attorneys who have been appointed by the court to provide legal representation for individuals charged with federal crimes in federal court. Unlike prosecutors, they are not employed by the federal government and are instead employed by the federal courts. Federal public defenders provide legal assistance and advice to individuals charged with federal crimes, preparing and arguing cases for their clients in federal court, and representing their clients at trial and on appeal. In Florida, the federal Public Defender Office defends indigent individuals in criminal matters in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida. They also represent individuals in the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and petitioners seeking habeas corpus relief in the US District Court. Overall, the primary difference between federal prosecutors and federal public defenders is that the former are employed by the US Attorney’s Office, which is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, while the latter are appointed by the court to defend indigent individuals in federal court.

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