A public defender is a government-appointed attorney. They represent defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Public defenders have the same obligations as private criminal defense lawyers to
Protect their clients' rights.
Provide effective representation.
Develop strategic defenses.
However, public defenders often handle a high volume of cases. This may limit the time and resources they can devote to each case. Despite this, many public defenders possess extensive experience and knowledge in criminal law. They are dedicated to advocating for their clients.