What is the role of the federal public defender in the criminal justice system?

The federal public defender plays an important role in the criminal justice system in New Hampshire. Federal public defenders are lawyers employed by the court to represent people who cannot afford an attorney and are facing federal criminal charges. The federal public defender is an officer of the court, meaning that his or her primary responsibility is to zealously represent the best interests of the client. The federal public defender is charged with providing legal advice, investigating the case and determining whether or not to file pretrial motions, negotiating plea agreements, and advocating on behalf of the client in court proceedings. The federal public defender is also tasked with ensuring that the defendant is afforded all of the constitutional rights they are entitled to, including the right to a speedy trial, the right to a jury trial, the right to receive evidence, the right to remain silent, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to be free from unlawful search and seizure. Federal public defenders are usually assigned to represent defendants from the moment they are charged with a crime all the way through to their sentencing. They also often represent clients on appeal, if necessary. The role of the federal public defender is essential in making sure that those accused of a crime have an advocate to represent their interests. Without this important part of the criminal justice system, those who cannot afford an attorney may not receive the legal representation they deserve.

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What is the role of the federal public defender in the criminal justice system?

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