Marvin Barnett

Fail to provide services which they hired for. Attonery Barnett was referred by a family friend who spoke highly of the attorney stating his law firm handled his case and provided an excellent service. In Sept. 2011 I then called the Law Firm of Attorney Barnett to see if they can expunge a criminal ...record dating back to 1980's, the receptionist stated they could provide that type of service. I then met with a paralegal to start making payments toward the $1,500.00 fee that was quoted to me per my initial phone call. I paid a total of $1,400.00 before the scheduled Dec.2011 court date. As I approached my court date there was a remainding balance of $100.00, so I phoned the office and spoke with the paralegal and asked if it was ok to bring the remaining balance to court with me he said that would be ok . The first court date in Dec. 2011 was rescheduled even though I wasn't informed until I arrived for my 9:00 o'clock hearing. I was in court for forty-five minutes my attorney never showed up, and that's when I found out that my name and case were not on the docket . After leaving the court I picked up my cell phone and notice the law firm just left a voicemail message letting me know they had to reschedule. A second date was scheduled for Jan. 2012 at which time the attorney showed up an hour or so late for a 9:00 o'clock hearing and the judge presiding my case decided to continue without my attorney being present. However my request for the expungement was denied. I then left the court and contacted the law firm at which time the paralegal stated that she (the attorney) was on her way. Upon the attorney's arrival to court I was told that the attorney spoke to the prosecuting attorney to see if they can hear the case again that day, so the paralegal instructed me to return to court. Enroute back to Pontiac I then received a call from the paralegal telling me they were going to schedule another hearing date. Giving the law firm a chance to resolve this issue I spoke with the paralegal on numerous occasions periodically afterwards. Made several more attempts to contact the paralegal and to this day I haven't received another call from them nor have they return any of my calls.