Q: Son had a public defender, but requested different. Then that PD ended up defending the person accusing my son in a

A: In the scenario you've described, where a public defender initially assigned to your son in a federal drug case ends up representing the person accusing your son, there are potential concerns regarding conflicts of interest. In legal practice, particularly in criminal defense, attorneys are required to avoid situations where their representation of one client may adversely affect another.

If your son's public defender is now representing the accuser in the same case, this could raise significant ethical questions. The American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which many states follow, generally prohibit attorneys from representing clients with conflicting interests without informed consent from all involved parties.

It's advisable for your son to bring this matter to the attention of the court, particularly if he feels that his defense may be compromised. The court can review the situation to determine if there's a conflict of interest that warrants the appointment of a new public defender for your son.

Given the complexity of federal drug cases and the crucial importance of fair representation, it may also be beneficial to consult with an independent attorney who can provide specific guidance based on the details of your son's case. An attorney can assist in addressing this potential conflict and ensure that your son's legal rights are protected throughout the proceedings. Remember, every defendant is entitled to effective and conflict-free legal representation, especially in serious criminal matters.