Jacqueline Smith

1. I had assault charges pending, filed by my ex shortly after I filed divorce on him. 2. He was always the aggressor but each time the police would come, all he needed to tell them was that I was a foreigner and things, at that point, just did not seem to follow proper protocol. 3. In short, he... had me arrested one night claiming I tried to assault him with a weapon and immediately, filed for an order of protection preventing me from returning to my home. 4. No questions about who I was in the family structure. I was the breadwinner fed up of being overwork and disrespected by a man who grew comfortable having me provide for the family. I had all my evidence and I knew the charges would be dropped once brought up before a judge. 5. In the meanwhile I interview with Ms. Smith, who told me we still could have him kicked out of the house even before the criminal charges were dropped. We proceeded with the signing of the contract, she got her retainer and 2 days before the hearing date she informed me that I would be put on the 5th because the criminal charges were still pending. 6. In court, I could not speak, the opposing counsel had their field day in court and got everything they wanted in temporary order. We took a beating which could have been avoided. 7. About 1 month after those temporary orders were made by the judge, keeping me out of my house including having to pay child support to my ex, the charges were rejected by the DA after all evidence were provided by my defense attorney. He was always the aggressor and all I needed was an opportunity to prove it and shared some of those files with Ms. Smith so she knew. 8. Now that the charges were dropped, I asked Ms. Smith to request a hearing to have the temporary order changed now that I can speak and submit my evidence against him, she wouldn't, she told me "the judge was not going to change the temporary order just because my charges were dropped". She literally told me it was her way or the high way and since as a client, I am very much aware of my right of autonomy with i chose to exercise by reminding her the direction I wanted us to go with the case. She got upset, reminded me that she was the attorney and decided to withdraw from my case. Leaving me hanging with $5000 of my money in her pocket with just 1 court appearance. I was left to find another attorney and another retainer since she did not think that she should at least return at least some of my retainer money back to me. Then she sent another bill claiming I owe her $1,300 which did not add up and each time she is questioned, she throws threats around, get on high horses with a clear intend to intimidate.