Q: I paid $5,000 to an attorney in clay co, ky. Now I have a public defender appointed and telling me I'm screwed?????
I signed over 2 $1,000 bonds to a lawyer and have receipts for the other $3,000 I paid to an attorney who, without explanation is now prosecuting attorney for the next county and all the sudden not representing me. I showed up to court was appointed a public defender despite my $5,000. This public defender is telling me I'm screwed basically. All my attempts to speak with and contact the $5,000 paid attorney are being shut down and I'm being told they don't have any cases for me like I never existed. Is this legal? I know it isn't fair. If the lawyer isn't representing me, should I at least be reimbursed some of my money to afford another paid lawyer so I have at least half a chance??? I'm being charged with assault in the first even though I didn't use any weapons just my hands and my feet. I also helped the guy up after it was over and threatened him to never be around my girlfriend again. She led me to believe he got her drunk and while unconscious he sexually assaulted her.
A: Write the former lawyer an attorney asking for a refund of the unearned portion of the fee. He is obligated to give you an accounting, possibly a refund and a copy of your file if requested.
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