Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I hired a lawyer, and paid him a large retainer. I had been given a day to appear in court, and I made plans to attend that date, including having family come in from overseas for support. This is my sentencing, not a

first appearance. Anyway the court date was changed, and my lawyer informed August 30th. I only found out this week it had been changed, when I emailed my lawyer requesting a time to be in court. He informed me it was changed to mid December! I am pretty distressed about this, and feel the lawyer did not fill his obligations to me. What can I do about this??? thank you


Asked on 10/14/11, 2:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Theresa Hofmeister Theresa Hofmeister, Attorney At Law

I am sorry to hear that happened. Unfortunately, court dates often get changed (or "continued," i.e. delayed) multiple times, so that what was scheduled to occur (here, sentencing) may not happen when it is scheduled, even if the date is not changed - if that makes sense.

In this instance, it sounds however like your attorney either changed it or at least knew about this earlier than you did. You can file a formal complaint against that attorney through the State Bar if you think his communication (or lack of) is worthy of a complaint & investigation. Good luck!

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Answered on 10/14/11, 4:26 pm


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