Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I am being charged with elder financial abuse. Him and I had been in a 30 year relationship and I was on the bank account. It isn't my ex-partner pushing the issue of my arrest or a conviction, it is his friend who is pushing the issue of my conviction, (not even a family member). This person is involved for personal gain, now having a roof over his head, not having to pay bills and having a car to drive. This person had verbally threaten me and physically put his hands on me. Keeping me from being in touch with my 30 years plus Partner. I have been going to court for a year now, assigned a Public Defender getting no help from the PD I tried to hire a Lawyer. Unable to do so I have been appointed another Public Defender and once again I fear a conviction. I need to hire a Lawyer but the ones I spoke to I can not afford. What I can afford maybe is $500.00 up front and pay payments but it's impossible to find a Lawyer who would do that for me. I am in San Bernardino, California. Maybe you can lead me in the right direction or you have a helpful suggestion. Thank You Patricia Lee


Asked on 7/14/17, 1:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

The 'right direction' is the Public Defender, which you already have. Private counsel do not generally take discount fee or "pro bono" cases other than for family of friends, because that is the role for the PD, paid for by our taxes. You can contact their office and explain any 'legitimate' complaints you have about your case, and try to get them involved. But, you have had one replacement already. You need to understand that the PD assigned to your case will have numerous cases other than yours on his daily appearance calendar. They generally have little time to spend with clients other than a few minutes each before court hearings. You need to efficiently and effectively prepare and make use of that time. You could prepare a thorough narrative chronology of all the facts, evidence and issues in your case, to inform them of your 'position'. Good luck.

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Answered on 7/15/17, 5:22 pm


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