Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

my rights!!

hi, i retained an attorney, to help me with my criminal charge of assault 2, basically i got into a fight at a bar in queens ny, to someone i dont know, he lost his eye, when i hit him we both fell to the floor, and my glass i was holding broke and went into his eye, i was indicted and trial starts in jan. i have know priors and my attorney just does not seem really concerned to help me he does not even return my calls, im worried about this what are my rights? will i do jail time? how can i get my attorney to do more? he has been paid in full.i feel he has not enough exp. what can i do ?


Asked on 11/13/06, 8:38 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Re: my rights!!

I am a former Assistant DA in Queens and I still practice criminal defense and have a very good relationship with DA's Office. As for getting your lawyer interested in your case, he/she may be doing more than you think (or you could be right). It sounds like you may have a self-defense case. Has the lawyer gotten an investigator to speak with witnesses? You are correct to be concerned because given the injury, this is a serious case and you will likely get significant jail time if the person lost an eye and you get convicted. (This is based on the little information in your question.) A lawyer should always call a client back - I try to call clients back the same day but never longer than 24 hours. As for what you can do, you can demand the lawyer get going on your case or you can change lawyers. Regardless of what the retainer says, he cannot keep all your money if he has not done the work for it.

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Answered on 11/13/06, 8:46 pm
Valerie Masters Valerie Masters, P.A.

Re: my rights!!

You can fire him and hire someone else. Pls call me for a referral.

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Answered on 11/13/06, 8:55 pm
Carlos Gonzalez Gonzalez Legal Associates PLLC

Re: my rights!!

You can retain another attorney to collect from the previous attorney and handle your criminal case for you. Please feel free to contact my office, we specialize in criminal litigation. 2127098303

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Answered on 11/19/06, 9:07 pm


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