Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

ethical attorney???

Long story short: my boyfriend is charged w/4 felony counts of domestic violence (weapons enhancement charges, too) against myself. We broke up temporarily, but are currently back together trying to make a go of things. I don't want the worst to happen to him, but I am also of the mind set he needs some accountability for his action and the terror he inflicted upon me. I have met w/his att'y a couple times...he would like to have all this deferred, but not likely to happen and I don't believe that is sufficient. Anyway, at one of our meetings (semi unrelated subject) he had a PI present taking notes and said he needed to be there for legal/court purposes. I wasn't ''officially'' being deposed, nor was this meeting pertaining entireley to the case at hand.Is there anything unethical or illegal w/that? Somethings just aren't sitting right w/me, and don't feel right.I have said I'd support my BF anyway I could- short of lying or seeking to drop the charges(I know this isn't typical)- so i am afraid they are up to something to damage my credibility as a witness or the case against him.I am very confused and have no one i can talk to about this.I don't want to call the prosecutor to ask, as i don't want to make the case worse. HELP!!!


Asked on 1/04/08, 8:45 pm

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

Re: ethical attorney???

I related to your situation. I will not say I've been in it but I've helped many people who have been. You are in a difficult situation and you want to navigate it carefully. Everyone has a different agenda and it isn't necessarily the same as yours.

As for the ethics of the attorney, I don't see a problem. The investigator was there to confirm what you said. If you now change your story in trial the investigator can be called and say 'well on this date she said ..." So, as long as your story stays consistent there isn't a problem.

As to how to achieve the outcome you'd like on the case, we'd need to meet and discuss that. Contact me directly if you'd like to arrange a convenient meeting place.

At your service,

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Answered on 1/05/08, 12:17 pm


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