My experience with my court appointed lawyer went bad?????

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1. Licensed in TX

   

   Macy JaggersPro

   Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 19

   

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   Answered February 12, 2013 18:18. It sounds like at your next court date you need to clear up with the court whether this attorney is appointed to represent you or whether you need to hire one. Obviously, if the court requires you to hire your own attorney, you need to shop around until you find one you're comfortable with.

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2. Licensed in TX

   

   M Foley

   Galveston Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 18

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   Answered February 12, 2013 17:53. Hmm. If you already know what we're going to say, why exactly is it that you're bothering to post??? And by the way, according g to my fourth grade grammar teacher, you've failed to ask a question, as well. Good luck with your case.

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3. Licensed in TX

   

   Charles Soechting

   Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 17

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   Answered February 12, 2013 19:28. You need to determine whether he is your appointed attorney or not. If appointed he CANNOT bill you for his services. I've seen this with a few appointed attorneys recently and that bothers me. I treat appointed clients just like paying clients. Go to your first appearance. Figure out if he's your attorney and don't plead to anything unless you fully understand the consequences and ramifications.
   Good luck

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4. 

   David B Pittman

   Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered February 12, 2013 18:25. Both attorneys above raise good points for you to consider.

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5. Licensed in TX

   

   Bart CraytorPro

   Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 16

   

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   Answered February 12, 2013 20:17. You might want to ask the Judge for a hearing regarding your court appointed counsel and if your entitled to another. While this is NOT binding in TEXAS other jurisdictions have been requiring a hearing with the court when court appointed counsel does not seem to be working out. Such as People v. Marsden, 2 Cal.3d 118, 465 P.2d 44, 84 Cal. Rptr. 156 (1970) Supreme Court of California. In Bank. February 26, 1970.
   
   Florida has a similar case and it could be ripe for Texas to allow defendants a little due process to work out the conflicts with counsel rather than flatly deny a defendant's pleas of help. Your court appointed counsel can not make you plea. Probation is a consequence of a crime, and can leave you with a record. I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes, however, it may pay you dividends to also consider the risks of going to trial. Innocence is no guarantee of an acquittal and often the consequences are worse than the plea deal. Just food for thought... Good Luck

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