Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

assault charges lawyer is makeing exuses

Lawyer has lost pictures of the seen, didn't get all the witnesses on the list didn't supiena evidence (tape from store across the street)

and this is just for starters he also didn't invite me to his office to discuss this case at length at all didn't have it right in court!

Also and I know this is just a rumor but I have herd it from 3 different people that he was witnessed taking something in trade for doing a case, would rather not say what that is on here but it's not good and would explain a lot of things,

Did not inform me of the ''perils'' of being tried with a co-defendant, and said nothing of letters to the judge .

Bottom line ,,I need a new Attorney the jury found me guilty of 2 counts of assault II so I'm down to being sentenced,

never mentioned any other defense other then the one we took (should have been self defense I think) HELP !


Asked on 1/01/09, 9:53 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: assault charges lawyer is makeing exuses

You can appeal the case for ineffective assistance of counsel. Unfortunately, appeals are more expensive than the original case. At sentencing, ask for an appeal bond and stay of sentence (that you not start your sentence until the appeal is decided). You need to get your appeal filed within 30 days so try to have your current lawyer do that much as it can be too time consuming getting a new lawyer familiar with the case and filing the initial appeal within that time.

Overlooking a self defense is a catastrophic decision as self-defense is the best possible defense. Merely raising the defense than puts the burden on the prosecution to disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Further, if the jury makes a special finding that you were defending yourself, the State is required to reimburse you for the cost of your defense!

Contact me directly if you'd like further assistance.

At your service,

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Answered on 1/01/09, 5:19 pm


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