I hired a lawyer here in Texas to take care of 3 tickets I had in a different city. He was aware the tickets were warrants at the time I hired him. He told me to pay him 300 dollars and that he wouldn't charge me a bond fee for the tickets because he came recommended to me through a family friend. I paid him 300 and he took care of 1 ticket which I still had to pay a 345 fine for. Another ticket was dismissed because it was for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (No Insurance), but at the time I DID have insurance so it was eventually dismissed once I faxed the court a copy of my insurance. The 3rd ticket I have is a warrant and I had a court date after my attorney posted a surety bond, the court date was set for March 18th. WELL, my lawyer didn't show up and didn't call or let me know that he wasn't going to be there. It is now May 14th and no calls from my lawyer have been returned. I have a warrant and have been denied renewal of my license. What can I do?
2007-05-14 03:02:14 · 11 answers · asked by ttxlatina 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Based on what you related, I would recommend filing a complaint with the State Bar of Texas (Client-Attorney Assistance Program). You can get additional information by calling the following toll-free number: (800) 204-2222, ext. 1790.
The attorney seems to have acted unethically, and that would warrant filing an ethics complaint. You can get additional information at this website: http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Client_Attorney_Assistance&CONTENTID=3367&TEMPLATE=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm
To maintain the ethical standards of the legal profession in Texas, the grievance system is designed to protect the public from unethical lawyers. Lawyers are held accountable to a set of rules called the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. Lawyers who violate those rules are prosecuted under a set of rules called the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Much like the criminal system, you, as the aggrieved, are not a party to the disciplinary action. The system protects all members of the public, and you should report attorney misconduct in order to keep that attorney from harming others.
Allegations of misconduct by an attorney are very serious, and are reviewed carefully by the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel. If you believe that an attorney has violated the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, you may report this information to the State Bar in the form of a grievance. Not every disagreement with an attorney involves professional misconduct. Just because an attorney loses a case or gives advice you disagree with or feel is wrong does not mean the attorney has violated a disciplinary rule. There are other legal avenues, such as civil court, which may resolve these differences.
Malpractice and attorney misconduct are not necessarily the same. An attorney can commit legal malpractice and not be in violation of the disciplinary rules, or can be in violation of the disciplinary rules without having committed legal malpractice. You should consult with a reputable attorney to help you decide if there are remedies other than filing a grievance.
The State Bar of Texas' attorney grievance system was designed to sanction attorneys for professional misconduct. It cannot act as a liaison between you and the attorney. The grievance system also cannot:
* Award damages;
* Force an attorney to proceed with a case;
* Provide you with another attorney;
* Provide legal advice;
* Solve a fee dispute;
* Alter the decision made in a civil or criminal matter; or
* Substitute for civil or criminal remedies.
These concerns must be handled in another forum, separate from the State Bar's attorney grievance system.
If you are concerned with the fee arrangement established with your attorney, many local bar associations which are not affiliated with the State Bar have set up fee dispute committees to work with clients and their attorneys. Your local bar association's phone number can be found in your local telephone directory or on the State Bar website.
2007-05-14 03:17:09 · answer #1 · answered by Mark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-01-22 11:56:14 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to court when you are in town and ask to see the prosecuting attorney. Explain the situation that you are going back to school and would like to ask for court supervision. He most likely will move your court date up to the same day that you are there. You may be surprised at how much these guys are willing to help you. All and all, this is your first offense, and your a small fish.
2016-05-17 22:08:22 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sue the lawyer.
Sounds funny, but it's his fault if he was supposed to show up. Plus, if his lack of appearance hurt your case, use the evidence from the suit in you favor to try to get your license back and all that. Good luck!
2007-05-14 03:13:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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All the best
2007-05-17 18:47:39 · answer #5 · answered by james 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the court hearing your case and let them know of your difficulty, and ask for a rehearing (after you get a new lawyer).
2007-05-14 03:06:06 · answer #6 · answered by powhound 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can sue him for legal malpractice and notify the city and state bar associations.
2007-05-14 03:04:54 · answer #7 · answered by Scadle 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sue him for malpractice and get yourself a new lawyer!
2007-05-14 03:06:44 · answer #8 · answered by SDC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a legal claim against this shyster.
2007-05-14 03:06:18 · answer #9 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://magegame.ru/?rf=cbfee1eee2ede8f6e05fd1ece5f0f2e8
2007-05-14 03:09:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋