Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Attorney Fees

Hello,

Recently I paid for a lawyer for my boyfriend who is being charged with battery. He promised to pay me back the lawyer fees each paycheck which he has now said that he won't do. Can I fire the lawyer and collect any unused fees so I can apply that amount to the outstanding bill. The lawyer has appeared for him in court and spoke with him once. I don't think the lawyer has even got the file on the case yet. I spoke with the lawyer and he told me to hold off and that there was nothing I could do but to take my boyfriend to small claims court (which will probably do me no good since he owns nothing). The lawyer charged a flat fee for the services and the next court date isn't until August 16th and he will get the case file then and start talking to witnesses after that date. Is there anything I can do or am I completly out of luck?

I appreciate any advise in this matter.

Thank You


Asked on 7/24/06, 5:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Attorney Fees

The lawyer is not yours to control, nor is the fee he received. That was a loan to the 'boyfriend', not the lawyer. Your remedy is with the boyfriend in court, and by making better choices in relationships and actions in the future.

Read more
Answered on 7/24/06, 8:43 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California