Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

I would like to fire my public defender due to lack of communication throughout the process. He has never visited me personally. I initially had a 2 minute phone conversation when he accepted my collect call. He never accepted a collect call again and we never discussed my case. The next time I spoke to him was at my review when I was offered a "surprise" plea that was not previously communicated to me. My mother has been the liaison between us until yesterday. She called the attorney to talk about the new info on my case - drug assessment and acceptance to a rehab program. There was a disagreement and she was told he didn't care what she thought he thought about me AND for her not to call him anymore. Now the lines of communication are broken and there are bitter feelings. Am I able to request a new PD? How would I do this and what should I write?


Asked on 4/21/11, 10:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Amir Ladan The Ladan Law Firm, P.A.

You have the right to hire your own lawyer and fire the public defender that has been appointed to your case at any time, with the court's final approval. You do not have the right to pick and choose which public defender represents you. If you have a legitimate issue with your attorney, you can bring it to the court's attention. Be careful how you approach that discussion should you opt to discuss your complaints in open court with the judge.

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Answered on 4/22/11, 1:05 pm


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