What should I do if I want a new criminal defense lawyer?

What should I do if I want a new criminal defense lawyer to work on my case? My current lawyer has been unresponsive and I have not heard from him in over 2 months. I can never get a hold of him through the office. I am unhappy with how my case is going. How do I retain new counsel? Can I do that midway through my case?

Share |

Answered By: Jacob P. Sartz IV., Attorney at Law

Speaking generally, under the applicable court rules and at the court's discretion, it is possible to substitute a current attorney for someone else. However, please note that any substitution requires a timely filed motion or stipulated substitution which must be ruled upon by the judge. In certain circumstances, judges will not allow a substitution. Disputes and disagreements occur from time to time. In some situations, people are able to resolve their issues without the need for a substitution. However, in other situations, the relationship breaks down to a point where a new attorney is needed.

Answer Applies to: Michigan
Replied: 11/4/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Cynthia Henley, Lawyer

Simply hire a new lawyer who can file to substitute in on the case. If you are wanting a new court appointed lawyer, that is not going to happen.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 10/29/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Reeves Law Firm, P.C.

Yes, just hire now counsel and he/she will draft a Motion to Substitute.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 10/28/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Mark Thiessen, Attorney at Law

Go hire a new attorney and the new attorney will handle the old attorney. If he was appointed, ask the Judge at the next setting for a new attorney and tell the Judge why.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 10/26/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Offices of Kenneth Wincorn P.C.

You can change lawyers in the middle of the case. Do it soon. It is a huge problem at the end.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 10/26/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.