Criminal Defense Attorneys in Idaho

Entering a Plea or Taking Your Criminal Case to Trial

One of the most common questions we receive from clients is whether they should enter a plea or take their case to trial. This is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of the individual circumstances of each case. Entering a plea means that you as the defendant admit to the charges against you and agree to accept the consequences of your actions. Plea bargains are often offered by prosecutors as a way to resolve cases without going to trial. In some cases, a plea bargain can result in reduced charges, a shorter sentence, or other benefits for the defendant.
 
On the other hand, taking your case to court means that as the defendant, you will have the opportunity to present your case in front of a jury and judge and potentially be acquitted of the charges against you. This option is often chosen when the defendant believes that the evidence against them is weak or when they feel that they have a strong defense.
 
Ultimately, the decision to enter a plea or take a case to trial depends on the unique circumstances of each case. Factors such as the strength of the evidence against the defendant, the potential consequences of a conviction, and the defendant's personal goals and priorities should all be taken into account and compared.
 

Criminal Defense Attorney vs. a Public Defender

When it comes to navigating the legal system, it's essential to have an experienced attorney by your side. Two common types of attorneys you may encounter are criminal defense attorneys and public defenders. While their roles may seem similar, there are significant differences between them.
 
Criminal defense attorneys are private lawyers hired by individuals to represent them in criminal cases. They work directly with their clients to build a strong defense strategy and protect their rights throughout the legal process. Criminal defense attorneys typically have more flexibility when it comes to taking on cases and can choose to specialize in specific areas of law.
 
Public defenders, on the other hand, are lawyers appointed by the court to represent individuals who cannot afford private counsel. This means that public defenders work for the government and are assigned to cases by the court. While public defenders are experienced attorneys who are committed to their clients, they often have a large caseload, which can make it difficult to provide individualized attention to each case.
 
Another difference between criminal defense attorneys and public defenders is their compensation. Criminal defense attorneys are paid by their clients and typically charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for their services. In contrast, public defenders are salaried employees of the government and do not receive additional compensation for their work.
 
In summary, criminal defense attorneys and public defenders both play critical roles in the legal system but have significant differences. Private criminal defense attorneys offer individualized attention and the ability to specialize in specific areas of law, while public defenders provide representation to those who cannot afford to hire private counsel.
 

If You've Been Accused of a Crime, Call the Sawtooth Defense Lawyers at (208) 644-8893 to Schedule a Free Criminal Case Review in Boise, Idaho

Cities We Service

Eagle
Garden City
Meridian
Middleton
Star
Nampa
Ontario
Emmett
Caldwell
Homedale
Payette
Post Falls
Cascade
Coeur d'Alene
Idaho City
Stanley
Sawtooth City
Featherville
Hailey
Lewiston
Ketchum
Mountain Home
Twin Falls
Jerome
Burley
Sun Valley
McCall
Pocatello
Blackfoot
Idaho Falls
Rexburg