Legal Question in DUI Law in California

Lawyer Dispute

I received my first DUI last March w/ a BAC of .09. I was scared and got a lawyer that direct mailed me. I believe he mis-represented me because he didn't meet me face-to-face, didn't discuss procedures before doing them, and overall I believe was just trying to drag out the case and collect large fees. They told me it would total around $1,000. After $1,500 of bills and my finding out that they wanted a full jury trial for such a simple case, I fired them. They called me trying to get me back and sent me a final bill which includes that phone call! I have not paid them at all since the first $1,000 or so. I have approx. $2,000 outstanding. Do I have to pay? Will they try to ruin my credit? Can I fight it? Please advise.


Asked on 12/31/01, 3:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: Lawyer Dispute

Thanks for your posting. You actually don't have a criminal law case here (although the original case you hired an attorney for was criminal law), you have a civil dispute based upon contract law.

The terms of any contract agreement depend on what is written in the contract. With lawyers, you also have the right to have your case decided via arbitration, and avoid the court system, if you choose to do so.

So your questions, as far as whether you must pay, will they ruin your credit, and can you fight it, depends on the language of the contract. You should read it carefully, and feel free to email or call my office if you have further questions about your defenses.

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Answered on 12/31/01, 4:50 pm


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