Q: I was charged in 2016. My arraignment was in 2017. My last court date was 1/10/2019. I've been on a continue w/o date
I haven't been to court since. I been trying to contact my lawyer but she never returns my call. The Clerk of Court, D.A. office, and the I.D.B. board all tell me to get in touch with my lawyer. Who doesn't return my calls. I been calling every month since 2/2019. What can I do to resolve this because my life has been put on hold. The charge is showing up on my background so I can't get a job and/or residence in Texas.
A:
Consider going to your appointed attorney's office to request an office visit. Also consider contacting the district public defender's office (the office that appointed your public defender) to request that your public defender contact you. You likely received written correspondence from that office informing you of the appointment of counsel at the beginning of your case. If not, look up your district's public defender's office contact information at this website - go to the district offices tab - http://www.lpdb.la.gov/index/index.php.
Sometimes a delay in prosecution is a good thing. For example, it could be that the DA's Office is unsure whether they want to proceed. Forcing their hand may not be in your best interest. Could be that critical witnesses are unavailable, and the more time that elapses, the less likely they are to be available. Could be that your attorney is strategically waiting on the State to move on your case. Point is, don't assume your attorney doesn't have your best interest in mind. Be proactive, but not accusatory. Good luck.
A: Sounds like you need a new criminal attorney and your old attorney has either retired, moved or died.
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