Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Re: lawyer change

There are several factors that impact on your question. The first, and most important, question is whether you can afford to hire the attorney of your choice. Assuming that you have the ability to pay an attorney, and that there is nothing to disqualify that attorney, the Court will allow that attorney to represent you.

However, because trial is only few weeks away, the attorney you want to hire may need additional time to prepare. If that is the case, you will have to be willing to waive your right to a speedy trial as it will be your attorney who is asking for additional time.

Even if you are willing to waive your right to a speedy trial, sometimes the judge will not allow you a continuance in order to change attorneys.

The best way to find out is to contact the attorney you want to hire, make arrangements to pay his or her fees, and then let them negotiate with the prosecutor and the judge for additional time, if that is necessary.

Best of luck on your case.