Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Felonies

My fiance is currently in nassau county correctional facility. We have employed a lawyer but he seems to be going around in circles. He spends five minutes with my fiance and he is constantly talking to the other side without giving us any updates. My fiance was charged with two felonyB ( Burglary) and two E's I believe it was conspiracy and having a weapon. This is first time offense and they are accusing him of doing things he has never done. His lawyer told him that he should just plead guily because the DA knows you are and he charged us 10,000 to retain him and he has spent little or no time with us. My main question is that for crimes commited with similar charges for a first time offense is it common to get 20 years. His lawyer told him he is looking at 20 years I just thought that was much for a first time offense, we were expecting 5 - 8 maybe which he told us from the beginning now all of sudden he says 20. Im not sure we trust him. Is is possible for DA's and your lawyer to make deals without the knowlege of the client. It seems as though hes working the other side. Please shed some light on this this is our first time having to deal with such a situation and my fiance is extremely scared and confused.

THanks


Asked on 9/21/05, 12:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Valerie Masters Valerie Masters, P.A.

Re: Felonies

I practice in Florida mainly. For a first time offender who merely shoots a gun and misses, the penalty is 20 years. Sentencing has gotten much tougher. I would request and in office meeting with the atty. he can only discuss the case with you if confidentiality is waived. I talk to prosecutors all day long and go out to luch etc.. A defense lawyer is not working withthe State, he has no reason to.

Read more
Answered on 9/21/05, 2:23 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in New York