If you or someone you love ends up behind bars, one of the first big questions is:
“Do I need a lawyer?”
And if so—what kind? Should you represent yourself, wait for a public defender, or hire a private defense attorney?

Here at eBail, we’re not lawyers—but we work with attorneys every single day and talk to clients in this position all the time. We’ve seen firsthand just how confusing this can be, so we’re breaking it down for you in plain English. No legal advice—just real talk.

Representing Yourself (AKA “Pro Se”)

Let’s start with the boldest option: representing yourself in court.

This is called going “pro se,” and while it’s legally allowed, it’s not usually recommended—especially for criminal cases. Court procedures, legal jargon, and even paperwork can get overwhelming quickly. You might think you’re saving money, but in the long run, a small mistake can have major consequences.

Bottom line? Only do this if you’re extremely confident and fully understand the risks. It’s rare—and usually not the first choice for a reason.

What’s a Public Defender?

If you can’t afford an attorney, the court might assign a public defender to represent you. These are licensed attorneys paid by the state, and they handle a huge number of cases every week.

Public defenders are often very experienced, but here’s the thing—they’re also very busy. It’s not that they don’t care (they do!), but they may not have time to meet with you as often or spend hours reviewing your case in detail.

Still, if money is tight, a public defender can be a critical resource. You do have to qualify financially in most cases, and that determination is made by the court—not by you.

What About Private Attorneys?

Hiring a private criminal defense attorney means paying out of pocket, but it also means getting someone who can usually devote more time and attention to your case.

Private attorneys may:

Work with your family to explain your options
Be available for more frequent calls and meetings
Help strategize for reducing charges or negotiating pleas

Prices vary a lot depending on the attorney’s experience and the complexity of the case. Some offer payment plans—but it’s not guaranteed.

So… Which One Is Right?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The decision depends on:

Your financial situation
The seriousness of the charges
How comfortable you are with the court system

We’re not lawyers, but we see people make this decision every day, and it’s not always easy. The best thing you can do is ask questions and make sure you understand your rights and options.

We’re Here for You 24/7

While we don’t provide legal advice, we can help connect you with resources, walk you through the bail process, and make sure you or your loved one can get out of jail as quickly as possible.

Call eBail at (702) 462-9200—day or night.
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we speak your language.
Need bail help? We’ve got your back.