Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Re: Run away attorney

This sounds like a horrible situation.

I do not know the attorney you named and have no idea what might be going on with that person. I do know that it is highly unusual for an attorney to take money and simply disappear,and if that is what happened then there has been an ethical violation.

Sometimes people have trouble contacting the attorney,get frustrated, and exaggerate the circumstances. If this is a situation where you simply have had trouble contacting the attorney, then I recommend you call the office, schedule an appointment, and calmly state your concerns.

In rare cases, the attorney commits an ethical violation. When you say "he is gone" do you mean that the attorney has quit the practice of law and fled the jurisdiction? If that is what you mean, then you need to contact the judge assigned to the case to inform the judge of the circumstancs and to request a continuance of the trial so that you can get another attorney. If it is a criminal case start by calling the prosecutor to let them know that you intend to speak to the judge. If it is a civil case call the attorney for the other side and tell them the same thing.

The Ohio Supreme Court Client Security Fund may be able to reimburse you for the legal fees you paid, depending on the facts. If this attorney truly just took your money and fled with it, you can also contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to report that conduct.

Do not let any more time go by without contacting the Court and opposing counsel to let them know about this problem.

Best of luck with your situation.