Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Fees

My son was arrested for burguraly. He has no money so he began his trial with a court appointed lawyer. I met with his court appointed lawyer and he stated to me that he could really help my son if he was given $2,000 to work on the case. Not really knowing he was already being paid by the state I agreed to pay him in monthly installments. After he took the case from me he made a deal with the prosecutor and my son is in prison for two years. My question is did I have to pay this lawyer? Isn't it unethical to misrepresent yourself as a lawyer? Don't lawyers usually get paid by the hour not all up front?


Asked on 3/26/07, 8:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Re: Fees

Your question presents several issues. First, if the attorney was appointed by the court to represent your son, it was improper for that attorney to solicit money from you for the same representation. The question becomes whether or not you can prove that this is what occurred. Did you make payments by cash or by check? If cash, did you get a receipt?

I would encourage you to contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, located in Columbus, Ohio, and report this conduct.

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Answered on 3/27/07, 10:52 am


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