Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I was charged with an 11379HS and 11378HS (in CA.-ecstasy charges-) and released on O.R. Iv'e been going to court with a P.D. as representation. The D.A. gave us a "deal" of max a year in county and 3 on probation, at the pre-trial conference, but I didn't take it because I was advised by criminal attorneys to never take the first deal. My P.D. says it it a mistake but I don't trust he is doing the best he can to defend me. The video and audio of the incident are completely inconclusive. It is now going to jury trial. Did I make a mistake by not taking the deal? Also, do you know of ANY representation for poor, but stable people? (lawyers that would take this case pro bono or accepting payments) Thanks so much and sorry for being run-on!


Asked on 9/08/09, 5:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

"Representation for poor, but stable people" is provided by the public defender's office, which is already representing you. Your P.D. knows your case, but my guess is that the other attorneys you have spoken with don't. Why you would take their advice over that of your own lawyer is beyond me. It's one thing to seek a second opinion after giving someone the necessary information, but quite another to take generalized guidance and presume it is better than the specific advice your lawyer has offered.

Your question does not provide enough details to say whether your P.D.'s advice was sound. There is thus no way to answer your question -- except, of course, by offering the same sort of generalizations you have already heard. It was a mistake to let them trump your own lawyer's advice before, and it would be a mistake to do so again.

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Answered on 9/08/09, 6:02 pm


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