Legal Question in Criminal Law in Iowa

is this how attorneys handle this

I will try to make this short. In Feb 05 I hired an attorney and gave a 5 thousand dollar retainer. My son was in some legal trouble. The attorney appeared for three pre trial conferences and appeared for the sentencing hearing. He sat in on one deposition. Oct 06 my son was sentenced. Since then I have been trying to get a statement from the attorney. If he spent all my money then fine but I have asked repeatedly to see a statement so I know how the money was spent. Since Feb 05 I have only gotten one statement and that was last summer, I beleive. So how often do attorneys usually send statements? Since I have made numerous attempts to get a statement from him and all I get are excuses from his secretary or she says ''I was going to do that today'' Yet it never gets done. Is this normal practice? I just want to add that I have been overly nice and friendly about this. I haven't made demands I just have nicely asked when will I be getting something.


Asked on 3/08/06, 11:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Re: is this how attorneys handle this

The attorney is required to place your retainer in a trust account and notify you as he earns money against the retainer and draws it down. You have the right to have a statement if the case is closed. You may file a complaint with the attorney disciplinary authorities if you do not get a rendering of the account in a reasonably timely manner. You can do this by contacting the Iowa Supreme Court.

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Answered on 3/08/06, 1:02 pm


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