Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

can an attorney or its firm drop a client in a criminal case for non payment!! the client has paid over a 118000 dollars to the firm. the case has not gone to trial and all is left is sentencing!!! can they drop the client at this juncture!!!!


Asked on 9/18/09, 9:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Probably, though under some circumstances they may need the court's permission first.

Your lawyers are not required to work for free, regardless of how much you have already paid them, just as they could not expect you to give them unearned money regardless of how much work they had done for you.

If your case hasn't gone to trial yet, then either there is a lot more left to go than the sentencing or you have already pled guilty. Either way, though, there may be more work ahead than you realize -- especially if you plan to appeal. (Feel free to contact me if you do, since that is my specialty.)

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Answered on 9/18/09, 9:29 pm
Seshadri Srinivasan www.lawconcern.com

Attorney fees are normally charged based on work done and not necessarily the benefit to you.

However, if you feel you have been over-charged, consult another attorney who charges reasonably or contact legal -aid.

S.Seshadri. Esq.

Phones: 9840320808/ 28515229

Alternate email:[email protected]

[email protected]

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Answered on 9/19/09, 2:09 am


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