How do I get an Attorney to take my case Pro-bono,so i can fire my worthless Lawyer? -

I hired an Attorney and paid him a $3,500.00 retainer.He said that money would take me all the way. Now because I don t want to take a plea bargain, He wants $3,125.00 or he is going to drop me. He gave me 30 days to decide to pay or plea,I don t feel I should have to say I m guilty just because I don t have the money to pay him. I despartly need help. I m being charged with 4 felonies and a misdemeanor for things found in my home that weren t mine,and the people that those things belong to say they will step up and claim them. I truely believe my lawyer is a sellout. I am set for jury trial on July 18, 2006.

Alert the judge to this. Just send a letter to the judge. Say nothing else about your case, however. If you had an agreement for the lawyer to handle your whole case and he is refusing, the judge will either make the lawyer stay on the case, refund the money or appoint counsel or fashion some other remedy. If you do go in to plead guilty, be sure to tell the judge why you are doing it because if you try to change your plea later you will have a very hard time of it

No attorney is going to take your case pro bono, don t waste your time trying to find one. No one does criminal cases pro bono. The thinking of attorneys is that truly poor get a public defender. Those that don t qualify for a public defender can pay full rates. Second, even if you somehow found an attorney just starting out that wanted to learn by doing your case, your attitude will stop any rational attorney from wanting you as a client. $3,500 is reasonable up to trial, it is woefully unreasonable for a four count felony trial, especially one with such a weak defense. If you want to, see if you can find someone to give you a second opinion as to the merits of the plea bargain. Lastly, you probably have the option of pleading nolo contendre, no contest, which allows you to say that you are taking the plea but not admitting guilt.

You have to tell the judge this. He will appoint a court attorney if you have no money to pay. If you do have the money to pay but just don t feel it is fair, it IS fair as your attorney has much more work to do if you go to trial. Four felonies and a misdemeanor is very serious and it sounds pretty reasonable. He probably feels he got you a very good deal and that you should take it. I would if I were you. Those people who are saying they will say the things were theirs even though they were in your house are lying, sorry. They will not be there for you when you need them. If you have the money, pay the lawyer. What were they doing in your house if they were not yours? Even if you were just quot;holdingquot; the drugs or the stolen items, you are just as guilty as if you owned them. You will be found guilty, even if someone says the things were theirs and not yours, and I really DO NOT think the people will say the stuff was theirs. Why don t they just call the police right now and tell them this? What are they waiting for? You case sounds very weak. As someone who is very familiar with the legal system, TAKE THE PLEA FOR GODS SAKE.

If you can find the cash PAY IT . Other wise you are screwed! Best bet try to find another atty. get a delay.Court appointed attorneys suck!I was on jury duty and some poor kid was accused of shooting someone he had a court appointed attorney who was an Estate lawyer! Other people can get you in more trouble than you can get your self into!