Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Receiving a copy of discovery with everyone's info on it

I received a copy of the discovery on my case. It has everyone's witness, victim, etc. addresses and phone numbers on it. Isn't this illegal? Also my public defender is legally blind and is guided by his wife paralegal. She is not licensed to practice law. Isn't this illegal too? I feel I am overall misrepresented and obviously frustrated with this.


Asked on 2/01/09, 3:18 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Receiving a copy of discovery with everyone's info on it

There is nothing wrong with a vision-impaired attorney receiving assistance from a non-lawyer. After all, the assistant isn't the one practicing law. The assistant probably doesn't have to be a paralegal, so consider yourself lucky that the one helping your lawyer is.

You seem to think the attorney either should work without an assistant (which is difficult even for sighted attorneys) or should be assisted by a fellow lawyer (which is expensive for the employer and unlikely to satisfy the assisting attorney). I don't think either of these requirements would make much sense.

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Answered on 2/02/09, 3:51 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Receiving a copy of discovery with everyone's info on it

Even if he could see, he'd still be a public defender.

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Answered on 2/01/09, 4:30 pm
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: Receiving a copy of discovery with everyone's info on it

Get some money to retain an attorney fast. Contact me directly.

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Answered on 2/01/09, 4:40 pm
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Receiving a copy of discovery with everyone's info on it

Yes, the names and the phone numbers of the witnesses and victims should have been redacted from the report before being given to anyone. Your lawyer could potentially get into trouble for letting it happen.

If you are frustrated with you lawyer or you do not think he/she is doing a good job on your behalf, the best option is always the same - find and hire a new lawyer who is willing and ready to represent you diligently and effectively.

Feel free to contact my office for an additional non-binding consultation.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 2/01/09, 10:54 pm


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