Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Can State Appointed Attorneys Cross County Lines?

If you are appointed an attorney in a certain county who does not seem very interested in your case, can you seek out another state appointed attorney who is from a different county than where your trial will be held?


Asked on 5/18/05, 5:13 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Can State Appointed Attorneys Cross County Lines?

You could ask the court clerk to schedule a hearing in order for a judge to consider your request for another court-appointed attorney. However, if the judge appointed you another lawyer, it would be an attorney from a list approved to represent indigent defendants before that particular court. Whether that person appointed actually maintained a law office in that particular jurisdiction would depend upon the local rules which govern such matters. Some courts in Virginia require court-appointed counsel to maintain an office in the jurisdiction of appointment; others do not.

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Answered on 5/18/05, 6:38 am
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Can State Appointed Attorneys Cross County Lines?

Generally speaking you cannot select your court appointed lawyer. You are always free to hire your own. However if you feel that your lawyer is not properly representing you, you need to advise the Coourt of that fact and there is a possibility that you may get another appointment.

Good luck.

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Answered on 5/18/05, 4:34 pm


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