Legal Question in DUI Law in California

Legal fee dispute

I am asking if I am liable to pay a $1000.00 deposit to a lawyer over a 9 minute phone conversation concerning my DUI case. Per a 9 minute phone conversation I discussed with a lawyer my DUI case & was told by the lawyer he would represent me fully for $2000.00 this would include all hearing & court appearances. He took a $1000.00 deposit from my credit card over the phone & said he would send me the fee agreement & credit card authoriztion form by mail explaining all charges. I recieved the fee agreement by mail & to my dismay found out not only would I have to pay $2000.00 even if the case was dismissed but any additional work performed was going to cost me $4500.00 all non-refundable. I immediately called the lawyer to tell him the fee agreement was not what we had agreed upon & I did not want his representation. He did not remember who I was & said he would have to look at my file & would issue me a refund for my deposit of $1000.00. One week later no refund was made. I called to let him know I still didn't recieve my refund. He returned my call & said he would refund me $250.00 keeping $750. I at no time signed any documentation. He did not represent me at any hearing or court proceedings. Am I reponsible to pay $750.00?


Asked on 3/18/08, 1:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Legal fee dispute

Make your refund request in writing, describing your facts. If he doesn't refund it, you can contact the State Bar Association for help, with a copy of that letter. That should do the trick.

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Answered on 3/18/08, 1:46 pm


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