QUESTION
How to make a good decision about representation?
Asked on May 29th, 2020 on Criminal Law - Louisiana
More details to this question:
My fiancee has been indicted on serious charges. He's met his court appointed attorney twice, one time was at court, he has barely talked to him when they've met. He just went to his bond hearing and his lawyer didn't speak up at all in defense to the prosecutor requesting a bond reduction to be denied. They have failed to show a motion of discovery and this incident happen last year, he's been arrested since December. I don't know much about this stuff and we are both scared that he doesn't have appropriate representation to prove the facts and his innocence. I don't have much money, and none of his family is making and effort to try and help. I've talked to attorney's in the district and no one will work with me on payment for the retainer so I'm stuck trying to save for private counsel. He doesn't want to fire him or ask for another court appointed attorney in fear that he wont have any representation for a period of time. His/our future is on the line and I'm stuck.
1 ANSWER
I'm so sorry to hear about your fiancee's predicament. Sadly, the Louisiana public defender's offices are woefully underfunded and understaffed, which can lead to some poor outcomes when the court-appointed attorneys become overwhelmed with the number of clients assigned to them. If you and your fiancee are having issues with a public defender, you can always contact and bring up your concerns with the Indigent Defenders Office for the parish your fiancee's charges are in. That office may be able to resolve your concerns satisfactorily or appoint a new public defender if necessary.
I would be more than happy to discuss this matter with you if you feel that you would be better served with retaining private defense counsel. I conduct initial client consultations free of charge and would be able to work out a payment plan for the retainer. Once we discuss and I have a better idea of the charges your fiancee is facing, I'll be able to better serve your needs. Please feel free to give my office a call at (337)237-0492 to set up a free consultation.
Answered on Jun 11th, 2020 at 8:49 AM