You buy a new car. You may feel good about the purchase initially. The car drives smoothly. Looks good. You feel safe behind the wheel.
But then something happens. Maybe a noise that wasn't there before. A light comes on the dashboard, indicating something may be wrong.
All of a sudden, you don't feel so safe anymore and you start to wonder - did I make a mistake?
It's common. Also common when hiring a criminal defense attorney.
At first, everything seems good. The attorney is eager to have you as a client (and receive your payment). But once the check clears, they stop answering the phone. Stop returning your texts. Pretty much ignore you, and provide no updates on your case.
Lack of communication is the number one reason why people change lawyers. The lawyer may be qualified and more than able to defend you in Court, but when it comes to their bedside manner - the way they treat you and keep you informed about your case - they have a lot to learn.
If you have retained a lawyer and they are not giving your case the attention it deserves, perhaps it's time to change lawyers. Criminal attorneys can be substituted (changed) at pretty much any time. The earlier in a case, the better, as that will give the new lawyer time to get caught up.
If the attorney doesn't seem to understand what you are charged with, potential penalties, or other substantive issues involving your case, you may have hired the wrong lawyer.
If the attorney doesn't return phone calls or texts, you may have hired the wrong lawyer. Now mind you, you should understand that attorneys are busy people and if they don't return your texts/calls right away, that's not an indicator of lack of interest in your case. But if it becomes a habitual issue, where you call the attorney and they simply never return the call, that is a problem.
If you simply don't get along with the attorney, it may not be a good personality fit and a new lawyer might be better for you.
If you agreed to a certain fee and the attorney is demanding more than what you bargained for, you may want to switch lawyers.
For a number of reasons - really, any reason whatsoever - you, the client, can elect to change lawyers.
So think about it. Hiring a lawyer is an important decision. Arguably, one of the most important decisions you can make. But if it is just not working out, or if you have that sixth sense that things just aren't right, better to find a new lawyer than stick it out with somebody with whom you've lost confidence.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney serving Miami-Dade County; Broward County; and Palm Beach County.