Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Court Appointed Counsel - Panel Attorneys

When does the appointment of counsel automatically end? My Co-defendant had a public defender and I had a panel attorney appointed to me by the court. After the sentencing, his public defender told him that she is assigned to his case until the end of his sentence if he needs anything from her. On the other hand, my attorney told me that her appointment ended after the sentencing and if I need any further help with modification of my probation terms or anything like that that I will have to hire her privately at $500/hr. Why would it be different for PD and Panel?


Asked on 5/10/09, 7:50 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Court Appointed Counsel - Panel Attorneys

The panel attorney gets paid up through sentencing and the public defender is paid by the month.

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Answered on 5/10/09, 8:48 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Court Appointed Counsel - Panel Attorneys

Obviously your right to counsel should be coextensive with that of your former codefendant, and to the extent you need further legal representation in your case you could petition the court in pro per for reappointment of counsel; and if the trial court denies your petition you could petition for a writ of habeas corpus in pro per with the Court of Appeal. Maybe a visit to the law library would help you determine if there are any legal precedents covering your situation.

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Answered on 5/10/09, 10:32 pm


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