Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Louisiana

suspected attorney fraud

Last year, I received two speeding tickets, that I did not feel were justified. I hired an attorney in New Orleans, LA, who had advertised in the yellow pages as a specialist in criminal law and traffic issues.

I personally met with the attorney, he declared that the tickets were ''simple traffic matters'', and could very likely be resolved in my favor for $500 per ticket ($1,000.00 total.)

I paid the money upfront. Since then, I have attempted multiple, multiple times to reach the attorney. Once, I actually got through to him on the phone, he stated that my file had temporarily been lost, and that I should be patient. I then made multiple additional attempts to contact him,leaving messages with his office staff, sending letters, sending faxes, and finally sending a letter via fedex. My calls, letters, faxes,and emails were never returned.

My questions:

How can I find out whether any work at all has been done on my tickets?

Can this attorney be held accountible for taking my money, and then not communicating at all with me?

What is the most direct and cost effective way to resolve this issue?

Thank you very much for your advice. C. Heesch


Asked on 6/23/01, 9:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: suspected attorney fraud

1. Send him a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, and number each of your questions and concerns.

2. Give him a deadline within which to respond - 5 working days should do it.

3. If you do not get the satisfaction you deserve contact the LA Bar Association and inquire about the complaint procedure against attorneys who do not communicate.

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Answered on 7/01/01, 2:27 pm


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