Not every relationship goes smoothly. Relationships between clients and criminal defense attorneys is no different.

WHAT IF I AM NOT PLEASED WITH MY ATTORNEY?

If you aren't happy with the way the criminal attorney you've hired is handling your case, you have the right to dismiss him or her and find another criminal attorney. You will be responsible for paying for time and costs associated with your criminal case to that point, so it's not a step to be taken lightly. That's also why it's important to read and understand any contract for services you may have signed with a criminal attorney to understand what your financial responsibilities are if you decide to take your case elsewhere.

In some cases the judge will need to approve that you have changed criminal attorneys. Judges are responsible for getting the caseload assigned to their courtroom processed. Sometimes they are not sensitive to issues you are having with your criminal attorney. In these cases you must have your new attorney present in court when you both notify the judge that there will be a change of representation.

Lastly keep in mind that you have to pay for the time a criminal attorney “reviews” your case and situation. Every time you change attorneys you are incurring that cost again. That is why it is so important to hire the right criminal attorney in the first place.

If you still have to terminate the relationship with your criminal attorney and there is a dispute with the amount of money you have to pay or will get back, state bar associations offer an arbitration service to all attorneys and clients to mediate a dispute like this.