FAQs

Public Defenders are attorneys paid by the government to defend those who cannot afford to hire their own counsel. It is entirely up to you whether you want a Public Defender to represent you or if you'd like to hire private counsel. If you qualify for a Public Defender, it is at no cost to you because the government pays for this through taxes. Public Defenders are practicing attorneys. They work at no cost to you because the constitution guarantees that we all have Assistance of Counsel in court if we are charged with a crime. D. Eric Hannum is a private attorney, which means you pay a price directly to him. Prices for private counsel are determined by the specific circumstances of your case. Public defenders and private attorneys have the same training and licensing. If your experience of their work feels different, it is due to variations in individual skill and expertise, time the attorney has been in practice, style of practice and overall caseload.

The simple answer is yes. If the prosecution has brought charges against you, it means they believe you are guilty. They will do everything in their power to convict you. The constitution guarantees Assistance of Counsel because it acknowledges that everyday people are not experts in the law and should not be expected to fight for themselves in court against the immense power of the state.

Your best bet is to never talk to the police without a lawyer. They may or may not read you your Miranda Rights and are still able to charge and arrest you based on things you've said. Think of the Miranda Rights not as a shield for yourself, but as a tool the police use to make sure they can use your interrogation responses as evidence against you. Silence is your greatest protection, with or without Miranda Rights.

It depends on circumstances specific to you, your case, and your prior criminal record. The second amendment has limitations for some people once they have been convicted of certain crimes.

Being accused of a crime can affect all aspects of your life, including your job. D. Eric Hannum knows uncertainty is very difficult to live with. It is best to discuss with your attorney how and whether to talk to your boss or your union representative about your legal situation, considering the specific circumstances of your case.