Legal Question in Appeals and Writs in North Carolina

Re: house arrest

We probably need more facts to better answer this question. I cannot discern whether these are state or federal charges, whether there was a trial or a guilty plea, or whether your friend is simply being detained (e.g. pending trial). We also canot discern the nature of the services that were purchased; i.e. the terms of the legal agreement; nor can we determine what services have been provided. It may be, for example, that your friend had a trial and the $7,000 was well-spent and that fee did not include an appeal (or other post-judgment remedies). In general, however, I would hope and expect that the attorney at least explained these options generally at one point. It is less clear what his/her duties at this point would be, but I would hope that he or she would explain these basic things to your friend (i.e. his options at this point, and the cost and availability of them). You could of course hire another lawyer. Depending on exactly what has transpired, there may be some ethical guidelines applicable to the attorney's duties. You may also want more information from those attorneys more experienced in criminal law. Good luck.