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Can I terminate my Lawyer that was provided by Washington State to handle my criminal defense case

My court appointed attorney doent have experence in criminal defense is that grounds for desmissal since it is a criminal defense case?

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Attorney answers (4)

Reputation Level 14
You can always fire your attorney. The problem is that the court may refuse to appoint you another one. Most courts will accommodate a defendant with good reason.
4 people marked this answer as good

Reputation Level 7
You can absolutely terminate your lawyer. Regardless if the state hired him or not, a defendant can not be forced to accept represenatation. However if you do terminate your lawyer the court is likely to give you two choices 1.) Hire your own lawyer at your expense or 2.) defend the case yourself. Just something to think about before you dump your lawyer
5 people marked this answer as good

Avvo Pro

Reputation Level 20
You cannot terminate a court appointed lawyer because you didn't hire him. The Court appoint him. If you are dissatisfied with his service you can speak to him about the reasons or if that doesn't help you can complain to the judge who may or may not remove the attorney from the case.
3 people marked this answer as good

Reputation Level 20
You will have to ask the judge that appointed your attorney for the relief you seek.
2 people marked this answer as good

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