The Hidden Costs of a Public Defender: Why Hiring a Private Criminal Defense Attorney in Sacramento Could Save You More Than You Think
The Desire for Private Representation
When people are asked whether they want private counsel or the public defender to represent them, the vast majority of people instinctively say they want private counsel. In an ideal world, everyone would be able to choose the person they have representing their best interests in court. After all, a person’s very freedom is on the line.
Sticker Shock and the Shift to Public Defense
Despite the desire to hire private counsel, many people are discouraged from doing so when they find out just how much it will cost to hire private counsel to represent them in court. Instead, many people elect to have the public defender representing them, thinking they are saving money.
The Financial Benefits of Private Counsel
What many of these people don’t realize, however, is that hiring private counsel can actually save them money in the long run. While the upfront cost of a private attorney may be discouraging, it is important to consider the ways in which dedicated private legal counsel is worth the price tag.
How Bail Reduction Can Save You Thousands
For example, at the very start of a criminal case, bail is typically set. Bail, while providing an opportunity to be released from jail, can easily reach $100,000 or more. Criminal defendants are faced with the choice of paying that bail or remaining in custody while their case is litigated. An experienced criminal defense attorney, however, can show up to court at the arraignment (the first court date) prepared to ask the judge to reduce the bail to an amount you can actually afford. The public defender, on the other hand, does not have the luxury of meeting with you before the first court date to prepare arguments to litigate reducing bail. Right there, at the very start of your criminal case, your private defense attorney is potentially saving you money – and potentially quite a bit of money.
Jail Time vs. Income Loss
Consider, also, that almost everyone is worried about going to jail. While going to jail is certainly not a fun experience, most people worry more about losing their job while they sit in jail. If nothing else, sitting in jail instead of working results in loss of income for most people. Even spending a few weeks in jail can mean not being able to pay the mortgage or keep the lights on. Hiring a private criminal defense attorney who can vigorously advocate for less jail time is paramount. At Chastaine Jones, we have experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to getting to know you and tell your story, as well as identifying legal arguments to your benefit. Helping others to see our clients as people, not just case numbers, helps us to achieve the best results for our clients, including less jail time. Less jail time means less loss of income to you over the long run, especially if it means keeping your job.
Protecting Your Career from Felony or Sex Offense Charges
Your private defense attorneys at Chastaine Jones can also advocate to help you avoid a felony and/or sex registration. Both the felony and sex registration can result in you losing your job – your livelihood. Even worse, having a felony or being a registered sex offender can bar you from some career paths entirely. Consider what it would mean to lose everything that you’ve spent your career working towards. With these marks on your record, it can be very difficult, even impossible, to find suitable employment. If nothing else, these impediments can dramatically reduce your income potential for years, maybe even decades. And, for many people living paycheck to paycheck, the loss of a job is catastrophic. That is why it is so important to have the most experienced attorneys on your team. And, as it turns out, having the most experienced attorneys can actually also be your most valuable asset.
The True Cost of Losing Your Freedom
The cost of your freedom being taken away cannot be understated. Working with a dedicated criminal defense attorney in Sacramento can help avoid outcomes that end up being far more costly in the long run. Contact our experienced criminal defense team at Chastaine Jones to discuss your options right away.
.If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney in Sacramento who uses every available tool—including expert witnesses, private investigators, and digital evidence—contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Private Attorney vs. a Public Defender
When facing criminal charges, many people wonder whether to hire a private criminal defense attorney or rely on a public defender. The decision can have a significant impact on your case and your future. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions—based on what people frequently search on Google—when comparing these two legal options.
While public defenders are skilled attorneys, they often handle heavy caseloads and may not be able to dedicate as much time to each individual case. A private attorney can typically offer more personalized attention, strategic planning, and proactive defense tailored to your specific needs—potentially leading to better outcomes.
People choose private attorneys for the ability to select who represents them, receive consistent communication, and benefit from focused attention on their case. Private attorneys often have more time and resources to investigate, prepare, and advocate effectively.
The main disadvantages include limited availability, reduced ability to meet before key hearings like arraignment or bail, and the likelihood of working with whichever public defender is assigned. While many public defenders are highly capable, time constraints can impact the depth of representation.
Outcomes can vary, but private attorneys often have more flexibility to negotiate, prepare defenses, and devote attention to complex legal issues. This can lead to more favorable plea deals, reduced charges, or even case dismissals in certain situations.
In many cases, yes. Though hiring a private attorney may seem expensive up front, the long-term financial and personal impact of jail time, lost employment, or a criminal record can be far more costly. An experienced private attorney can help minimize these risks.
Yes. A private attorney can meet with you before your arraignment and come to court fully prepared to argue for a lower bail—something a public defender may not have time to do in advance.
Public defenders are provided at no cost to defendants who qualify financially. However, some jurisdictions may impose minimal fees later, and indirect costs (like time spent in jail or reduced legal advocacy) can still be significant.
Is a Private Attorney Right for You?
If your freedom, job, or future is on the line, it’s critical to have the best possible defense. Private attorneys offer strategic, personalized representation that can make all the difference. Contact Chastaine Jones to schedule a confidential consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights and your future.