What is a public defender?

A public defender is a lawyer who is appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. In Virginia, public defenders are employed by the state and assigned to represent people who have been accused of a crime and qualify for court-appointed counsel. The public defender will examine all evidence presented by the prosecution and will work to ensure that the defendant receives a fair trial. They also provide advice for the defendant, negotiate plea agreements with the prosecution, and can even appeal the case if they believe the verdict was unjust. Public defenders play an important role in upholding the rights of those accused of a crime, even if they are unable to pay for private counsel. They are appointed by the court in order to make sure that all defendants have access to justice and are given the opportunity to present a strong defense.

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