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It's my understanding the prosecuting attorney represents the people when the accused is brought to court on criminal charges. Private attorney's represent the defendant in arguing why the accused person is not guilty, or if there were mitigating circumstances making circumstances explaining why they did what they did.

Additional Information: (in the US) Private attorneys do NOT prosecute criminal cases, they are prosecuted by government attorney's (prosecutors) who do so on behalf of the "people."

Defendants are free to retain their own 'private' attorney to represent them or, if indigent, they are afforded the services of the Public Defenders Office (a taxpayer supported agency).

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14y ago

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