Very few relationships are stronger than the one formed between an attorney and client, especially if the client’s life or freedom is at stake. When a person’s freedom or life is on the line for a crime they did not commit, but that as well as financial penalties are only part of the ramifications. The positive resolution of your case is of extreme importance and a strong relationship with your lawyer is critical for all defendants. Any good lawyer requires complete openness and trust throughout the process before there can be the possibility of a favorable resolution to your case.

What can you do when you are not happy with your current attorney?
There are several ways you can tell whether or not your lawyer is providing the best representation as an advocate on your behalf including, calls that are not returned and emails, which are ignored and if you are experiencing these things, you probably need a new lawyer. In some cases, you may not even know the status of your case or any steps you need to take next. Many times clients are in the dark about their cases, which makes defending them more difficult. In these cases it is crucial that you get a better lawyer.

Just because you have a lawyer does not mean you have to keep him; even a court appointed lawyer can be replaced. Your lawyer’s job is to give the client the best representation possible, every step of the way. If you, as the client feels like you are not being represented in the best possible way, seek out a new attorney as soon as possible.

it is important however, to handle all issues in a way that will not jeopardize your defense because the further along a case is, the higher the possibility of having problems when changing lawyers.  For example, if your hearing is the following day, it may be difficult for the new council to mount a strong defense in time and as a result, may put your case in jeopardy. You should therefore voice dissatisfaction with your lawyer as soon as possible and seek out a new lawyer in a timely fashion.

What must I do to change lawyers?
To hire a new lawyer all you need to do is visit with a different attorney and explain your case.  Normally, all that is necessary is for the new attorney to prepare a “Substitution of Attorney” form, collect all pertinent information and file the form with the court. 

Get a Second Opinion
At the Law Office of James Davis, we realize that there is no excuse for not giving proper representation to all clients and in all cases. If you are having problems with your attorney, there is nothing wrong in finding a new one. Even if all you need is a second opinion, take some time to give our office a call and see if we can be of help.