My brother was charged with a fraud felony. He was offered two pleas (he did not accept them) on the 3rd plea he was told by his public defender that he had to either sign the plea or take it to trial. Two days before court (court was Monday) he decides to hire a lawyer. Monday at court the lawyer dismissed the pd and asked for a 30-day extension, judge granted it. My brother told the lawyer he would pay the attorney fees later on that day. How, I don’t know what he was thinking, he has no money and now no lawyer. He wants me to pay for it. What has he done by doing this?? Any help is greatly appreciated :)

I have no idea what he was thinking but he is now back at having a PD for an attorney. He should have paid attention to the PD and the plea agreements offered to him more carefully. Saying that he is going to get his own attorney and not paying the attorney and expecting you to pay for the attorney was not a very wise choice on his part. The judge granted a 30 day extension. Your brother has 30 days to figure out how to pay for the attorney as the case is moving ahead with or without him having an attorney.

Hello Princess:

I don't think he can re-hire the PD, and even if he could, I wouldn't. He can either try to raise the money or go back to court and ask the judge for a new court appointed lawyer. He'll probably get one.

excon

A PD IS a lawyer. If you are unhappy with a PD, you can request a new one or hire your own lawyer.