Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

Reckless Endangerment 2nd, Class A Misd. (Section 120.20) NY
I was driving my boyfriend home from work one night when we passed a SUNY officer who had another car pulled over. She was blocking the entire lane, and made no effort to pull to the side. He just finished a bad day at work and decided to open the car door make an offensive comment to her (not a smart move, I know!). An hour later six officers showed up to our apartment and arrested him on the aforementioned charges.
The officers statement alleged the door opened directly behind her, putting her in fear of serious physical injury. The statement is false, my vehicle was well past the officer when the door was opened, and she is just seeking a means of revenge for the offensive comment.They claim there was a dash cam present in the officers vehicle which could corroborate the inaccuracy of her statement.
We sought legal assistance and paid $150 for a consultation fee with a local criminal attorney, he said he is fairly confident he could get it reduced to disturbing the peace. We were later quoted a retainer of $1500, which is well beyond the price we are interested in paying for him not being confident in being able to get the charges dropped.
Would it be worth it to seek assistance from a different private attorney?
Is that a high rate to be charging for said case?
Should he opt to try to attain a public defender? (which he would probably qualify for, he makes about $300 per week)

Asked on 1/27/14, 5:26 pm

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

That fee is not unreasonable.

Answered on 1/27/14, 6:20 pm

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