Choosing the right lawyer can sometimes be like choosing someone to spend the rest of your life with. You might go through a few before you find “the one.” Sometimes you become uncomfortable with the way they handle your situation, other times you feel they don’t have your best interest in mind. Whatever the reason, it’s ok if you want to change lawyers in the middle of your criminal defense case. It’s your future at hand, so you should have the right person representing you.
Trying to Compromise
Before you up and fire your attorney, you may want to try compromising with him or her. There’s a possibility that what’s upsetting you is just a misunderstanding. Perhaps you don’t understand the legal system in the same way your attorney does, so it just doesn’t make sense to you. Perhaps your attorney wrongly heard something you said and just needs to be set straight. Because there are some consequences that come with firing an attorney, try compromising first.
Consequences You Could Face
When you fire your lawyer and hire a new one, there are certain consequences you could face. It’s different for every case, but the following are a few that could occur.
- You’ll have to pay the initial lawyer you hired, as well as the second lawyer you hire. Before hiring your first lawyer, you should have come up with terms of payment. You will be required to fulfill that obligation, regardless of how far your case went.
- Your second lawyer may charge more to get caught up with the case. Although the first lawyer already did all the paperwork and investigations, your second lawyer will need to review all of that information. That will take time, which could delay the case to some degree, as well as cost you more money.
- The judge might deny you the right to switch lawyers. It’s possible you’ll do everything necessary and be ready to switch lawyers, and a judge will deny you the opportunity. If a case is far enough along, the judge may determine you have to keep your original lawyer.
Deciding What You Should Do
It might be hard to decide what to do when you are unhappy with your lawyer. Speak with your criminal defense attorney about what’s bothering you, speak with a new criminal defense lawyer in Rockville, MD about how the process could play out should you hire him or her, and speak with the judge to learn whether you have the option or not.
Thanks to the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright for their insight into criminal law and changing lawyers.
