What is the difference between a public defender and a private defense attorney?

What is the difference between a public defender and a private defense attorney?

A public defender is an attorney appointed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. They work for a public defender's office and are paid by the government. On the other hand, a private defense attorney is hired by individuals or organizations to represent them in legal matters. They work independently and are paid by their clients. The main difference lies in the source of funding and the clients they represent.