Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I recently paid a lawyer over 20K to represent me in a case where I accidentially started a fire at a home I was renting. The case was continued on two separate occasions. On the third appearance, my lawyer did not show up and I was convicted of Accidental Burning. This verdict is now affecting my chances of obtaining gainful employment in the nursing field. Should something like this cost 20K? Was there negligence committed on behalf of my lawyer? Is it possible to recoup any of my monies? Since the verdict, my lawyer refuses to answer any of my questions regarding the case nor will he return my calls. Do I have any legal recourse?


Asked on 1/03/12, 4:21 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

How in the world could you be convicted without your attorney being present???

I'd strongly suggest contacting a DIFFERENT attorney that practices in the County where your case was to discuss trying to undo this mess.

Twenty thousand dollars for representation sounds high. Very high.

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Answered on 1/03/12, 4:28 pm
Elliot Zarabi Law Offices of Elliot Zarabi

I agree with Joe Dane. Are you in Reseda, CA. Your zipcode is wrong up there. But $20K for this and then he doesn't show up. Sounds like malpractice but cant be sure. Also, Mr. Dane is correct, how can you be convicted without him there.

Feel free to call me with any questions or a free consultation.

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Answered on 1/03/12, 4:34 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

There is more to this story than told. You can not be convicted without going to trial or pleading guilty in court. If the court did either of those, without your attorney, there would be grounds for appeal. You might have a claim against the attorney, depending on all the facts, for malpractice and recovery of your money. Feel free to contact me to discuss all the facts and get an opinion.

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Answered on 1/03/12, 5:20 pm
Glen Fleetwood Mister DUI-800-468-2-502

What really happened? You can not be convicted when your attorney did not show. Your zip is not 93335. And there is no crime of "accidental burning".

When your attorney was late to court, did you get up and speak to the DA?

Did you, a grown adult, accept the plea bargain the DA offered you rather than wait for your attorney?

If what you say happened is what REALLY happened, I will help you for FREE, call (805) 267-1267 tomorrow after 8:30 AM.

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Answered on 1/03/12, 5:38 pm


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