You can ask, they can refuse. No way to court order.

It appears you have answered your own question. Yes they can.

Yes he can be held accountable. yes he should lawyer up.

Not only is this a money losing proposition, due to bank fees, but if you somehow manage to make money it is likely bank fraud.

Can you? Yes. Will you? IMO unlikely, given the cost and time required for litigation and the limitations on recovery as stated above.

Is it legal as in can they be charged with a crime? I know of no crime that prohibits this from happening.

It depends on your fee agreement (the contract you signed) but that is pretty standard.

Not likely. His PD has hundreds, if not thousands, of clients. So his options are to work it out with his PD or retain private counsel.

This is a general Q&A forum. You have not asked a question for us to answer.

Your friend should be speaking to her attorney. Unless you are an attorney you cannot represent her.