FAQs About Changing Attorneys in the Middle of Your Case

 Posted on August 10, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Too often, people are charged with a federal offense, such as tax evasion or drug trafficking, and they quickly hire a lawyer that was recommended to them, or that they heard about from an advertisement. As the case progresses, the lawyer’s shortcomings become quite evident and the accused individual starts to lose trust in their attorney. In these instances, people often want to change their lawyers, but wonder if they are allowed to under the law. This is just one question that arises when people want to change lawyers. Below are other frequently asked questions about hiring a new attorney, and the answers to them. Am I Allowed to Switch Lawyers During My Case? The Constitution of the United States provides all Americans the right to have an attorney of their choosing represent them during their case. As such, you can change lawyers nearly any time you would like. However, there are times when a judge will not allow you to change lawyers, such as right before your trial begins if the judge feels it would not serve justice and the change would only delay the case. How Do I Know if I Should Change Lawyers? The answer to this question is largely subjective because it relies on how you feel about your attorney. Do you feel as though your lawyer does not have the skillset your case requires? Do you speak more to your lawyer’s paralegals and secretaries than you do your attorney? Have you lost trust that your lawyer is working in your best interests? All of these are signs that you should change lawyers but generally speaking, any time you are not comfortable with your lawyer, it might be time to seek a second opinion. How Do I Know that a Lawyer is Better than My Current One? The most important thing to ask a potential new lawyer about is their experience. Ask how many cases they have handled that are similar to yours, and about the outcomes, they achieved in those cases. This will tell you if the lawyer can handle your case, and will ensure they are familiar with the law regarding your case. Do I Have to Tell My Old Lawyer that I Chose a New One? You should never sever ties with your current attorney until you have spoken to a new one. Once you start working with your new lawyer, they can draft a letter informing your current lawyer of the change and ask that they transfer your case file to you, or to your new attorney. Need a Second Opinion? Our Chicago Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Changing lawyers in the middle of your case is certainly not ideal, but sometimes it is necessary. If you feel as though your current lawyer is not the right one for the job, our skilled Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel can help. Attorney Garfinkel is well-versed in all areas of federal law and can answer all your questions about switching lawyers. When you need a second opinion, call us at 312-629-0669 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Source:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/7201