What is a public defender?

A public defender is a lawyer that is appointed by a court to represent a criminal defendant who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. In West Virginia, a public defender is employed by the office of the public defender, a state agency that provides legal services for defendants who cannot afford to hire an attorney. The public defender’s role is to provide the defendant with quality representation and ensure that the defendant’s rights, such as the right to a fair and impartial trial, are not violated. A public defender will typically meet with the defendant before the court date to discuss the case and the defendant’s options. The public defender will also review the case’s evidence and interview witnesses. During the court proceedings, the public defender will attempt to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor and can also use any available defenses in order to obtain the best outcome for the defendant. Going to court can be a stressful and intimidating experience, especially if the defendant does not have the financial resources to hire a private attorney. Fortunately, in West Virginia, individuals facing criminal charges can be assigned a public defender to ensure that their rights are respected during the court proceedings.

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