Eugene, OR asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Legal Malpractice for Oregon

Q: Can you take somebody to trial without giving them any witness statements letting them view the discovery

They were only able to meet with a lawyer three different times in two and a half years they were incarcerated the third time was to tell them to take a plea of 15 years or they would get 34 life sentences if and if they ever wanted to see the outside walls of a prison again they would take the plea because regardless of what they did they said that they could find them guilty because they had a criminal record and that was 5 minutes before court for whether or not they wanted to accept this plea deal or not and in court they didn't do anything to represent the person or to prove his innocence they didn't do anything for him and then they sentenced him to 15 years and had him take a plea the coursed him to is this legal and can we finally lawsuit against them for this

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Your situation sounds extremely challenging and may involve several legal violations. Being pressured into a plea deal without proper access to evidence or adequate legal representation can undermine the fairness of the trial process. The lack of disclosure of witness statements and limited meetings with a lawyer are serious concerns that could affect the legitimacy of the sentencing.

It's important to understand that the legal system has protections in place to ensure fair treatment, such as the right to a fair trial and adequate legal counsel. If these rights were not upheld, there may be grounds to challenge the conviction or the plea agreement. Additionally, coercion or threats to secure a plea deal can be considered misconduct and may provide a basis for legal action.

You should reach out to a qualified attorney who can review the specifics of your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can help determine if there are grounds for an appeal or if you can pursue a lawsuit based on the circumstances you described. Taking professional legal steps is crucial to addressing these serious issues effectively.

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