Seattle DUI Attorney addresses those defendants who say, "I have a public pretender...I want a real attorney!"

I want a real attorney, not a public pretender!

On too many occasions to note I have heard the expression, "I have a public pretender..." along with some sort of complaint about how they aren't doing anything and that the defendant wants a "real attorney."  I will preface this blog with this note, I was never a public defender nor a prosecutor but I can tell you public defenders work extremely hard for some extremely difficult clients, many of whom believe they are entitled to one attorney working solely on their case even though they aren't paying anything for that representation. 

To answer the reference of wanting a "real attorney," I've got news for those defendants, your public defender is very much a real attorney, they are extremely experienced in all facets of criminal law and have very likely done more jury trials than most private attorneys.  I have too often seen brand new attorneys with no experience (especially those with no trial experience) attempt to represent their clients in very complex DUI cases and who are clearly inept get treated with more respect than seasoned public defenders and that is simply a shame.

Public defenders work tirelessly for their clients with little or no gratitude in return.  I stand up for their work because every time I'm in court I see how difficult their jobs are and the scenarios they have to endure. 

Many private attorneys don't have near the experience in DUIs as the so called "public pretenders" because many private attorneys don't go to jury trial.  If your private attorney has not done at least 20  jury trials, they simply can't compete with a public defender. Many public defenders do dozens upon dozens of trials each year, some more than that!

The main difference between a private attorney and a public defender, at least in the DUI context, is that a private attorney gets to choose his or her case and also maintain a manageable caseload.  A public defender is given anything that is thrown their way and must handle hundreds of cases at once. 

The next time a defendant is overheard saying "I want a real attorney" when referencing a public defender, keep in mind the person spouting off is probably a repeat offender who has no regard for anyone but themselves.  Keep it up public defenders, you are doing great work!

Good marketing versus Great Lawyering - who do you want standing with you in court?

In this day and age of social media, easy access to hundreds of potential lawyers, doctors, plumbers, etc. marketing a business is extremely valuable and necessary.  However, in the context of what is a good law firm or doctor, etc. versus what is a snappy marketing campaign the user/client can become sucked into the hype. 

A great marketer is going to make that businesses ROI shine but a great marketer does not make a great lawyer or doctor or plumber or restaurant.  How many times have you been to a restaurant based upon the advertising of that restaurant?  What about choosing a professional service such as a doctor or lawyer?  Would you really select a professional service based upon a clever website, a letter sent to your home, or catchphrase you hear on the radio?  Is that smart?  Does that indicate the professional service has integrity or has produced positive results.  Of course it doesn’t.

I have heard professional services advertising using snappy 1-800s on the radio but that snappy number and advertisement does not mean you are going to receive competent and articulate service.  I have a 1-800 number but it doesn't in an of itself tell a client I'm a great DUI attorney does it?  What does is Results, period!

It is really amazing how our minds can be influenced by simple phrases or marketing gimmicks, but that is how advertising works.  The internet is a valuable asset for a professional service but good old fashion word of mouth is really a key element when selecting a professional.  I know I wouldn’t choose an eye surgeon because he or she had a great 800 number catchphrase, so should you choose a great lawyer based upon snappy, witty, clever advertising or based upon results.  It’s obvious what you should do when selecting an attorney, look at their results.

My suggestions is that you be very cautious about getting roped into clever advertising when you are looking for someone to assist you with a criminal case.  I 800 DISMISSED or something similar doesn’t for one minute mean the lawyer on the other end of the phone is competent, it just means he/she is an effective marketer.  Do you want a good marketer standing in court in front of a jury or a great lawyer?

DUI Blog on Marketing vs. Lawyering