I signed a contract with a criminal attorney and paid half of the flat fee. Can I change my mind?

Attorney answers (4)

1. Licensed in NY

   

   Benjamin Lieberman

   New York Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered June 02, 2012 21:06. Lawyers have to earn their fees, even in flat fee arrangements (which is common in crimi al cases). If the lawyer hasn't don't the work to justify the amount of money that you paid him, you should be able to get a refund. Discuss it with him/her and see what s/he has to say. If you don't reach an amicable resolution you are entitled to arbitration and the attorney must advise you of that.

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2. Licensed in NY

   

   Steven RaiserPro

   New York Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

   

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   Answered June 02, 2012 21:11. You can always change your mind. Most attorneys will figure out how much I the fee has been earned and return the rest. The sooner you let him know the better otherwise there is a chance he may continue to put time into the case and therefore cost you more of that initial fee.

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3. Licensed in NY

   

   Joseph Lo Piccolo

   Garden City Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered June 03, 2012 05:34. You can change your mind and you should get back all but the time spent on the initial consultation.
   
   
   Joseph A. Lo Piccolo, Esq.
   Immediate Past President, Criminal Courts Bar Association 11'-12'
   Hession Bekoff & Lo Piccolo
   1103 Stewart Ave, Suite 200
   Garden City, NY 11530
   516-408-3666 (o) / 516-408-3833 (f)
   Jlopiccolo@hbclaw.net

   I am a criminal defense attorney practicing in Nassau, Suffolk and New York City. The above information is not a... moreI am a criminal defense attorney practicing in Nassau, Suffolk and New York City. The above information is not a substitution for a meeting whereas all potential legal issues can be discussed. less

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4. 

   James Frederick

   Livonia Probate Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered June 02, 2012 15:57. First of all...since you signed a contract, it would depend on what the contract says. Contrary to what many people think, there is no automatic right to rescind a contract within 3 days, in most cases. Still, given the circumstances, the lawyer may be willing to give your money back. I would review the contract and then I would ask.
   
   James Frederick

   *** LEGAL DISCLAIMER I am licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and have offices in Wayne and... more*** LEGAL DISCLAIMER I am licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and have offices in Wayne and Ingham Counties. My practice is focused in the areas of estate planning and probate administration. I am ethically required to state that the above answer does not create an attorney/client relationship. These responses should be considered general legal education and are intended to provide general information about the question asked. Frequently, the question does not include important facts that, if known, could significantly change the answer. Information provided on this site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney that practices in your state. The law changes frequently and varies from state to state. If I refer to your state's laws, you should not rely on what I say; I just did a quick Internet search and found something that looked relevant that I hoped you would find helpful. You should verify and confirm any information provided with an attorney licensed in your state. less

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