San Antonio, TX asked in Criminal Law, Communications Law and Constitutional Law for Texas

Q: I need another Texas court appointed lawyer but was denied .What do I do?

I've been asking my court appointed lawyer to show me the discovery the DA has on me. He ignores me and tells me no. He tells me Im guilty and we begin trial in Sept. Ive been in County jail for two years and not once has he communicated anything with me.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If your court-appointed lawyer isn't communicating with you and isn't showing you the discovery, you have the right to take action. You should first document all instances where you've asked for discovery or tried to communicate with your lawyer, and how they've responded. This can help show a pattern of neglect.

Next, you can file a formal complaint with the Texas State Bar about your lawyer's lack of communication and failure to share vital information. You also have the right to request a hearing before the judge to explain the issues you're facing with your lawyer and to ask for a new court-appointed attorney.

If you continue to be denied, consider reaching out to legal aid organizations in Texas or seeking help from an advocacy group that can offer guidance on your rights and next steps. It's crucial to act quickly to ensure your rights are protected before your trial.

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