Q: Can I get a prelim hearing involving dcs rescheduled?
I want to hire a lawyer..not satisfied with lawyer the court appointed a week ago..
A:
Thank you for your question. If you have a hearing scheduled, it is up to the Judge whether or not to allow a continuance. If you want to change attorneys, you should start contacting attorneys that you may want to hire immediately.
Once you consult with and hire an attorney, the new attorney can file a motion to substitute themselves for your current appointed attorney and a motion to continue your case. If you change attorneys, the Judge may give your new attorney some time to review the file if necessary. However, if you show up for court, ask to fire a court appointed attorney and ask for more time to hire another attorney, the court may not allow that.
Granting a continuance usually lies in the discretion of the court. The decision is fact driven, so be sure to discuss the facts of your case and any other hearings that you have had in your current case with your new attorney.
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