Families of Prisoners Support Group
This community is dedicated to families that have been disrupted by prison. Having a loved one incarcerated or having been incarcerated comes with its own unique challenges that require support and understanding. Join the group to find others who know what you're going through, and to seek advice or share your experience.
I just don't know how those of you that are farther along this road do it. I alternate between crying my eyes out to raging! The public defender is infuriating me. I spoke to her 12/15, met her at my son's arraignment on 12/17 - at that time she told me and my son she would be there either that Friday or Monday before Christmas. Still has not gone to see my son. When I spoke to her originally she told me she was assigned to the case because of the seriousness of the case. She called me on 12/29 in response to a voice message I left her. And then she told me she was going out that day or the next. Still no visit to my son. He has a court date on the 27th of this month. Neither of us have any clue what this court date is about. He keeps asking to talk to her. This is so frustrating. I have no clue who to call and I am afraid to complain about it because I don't want it to hurt my son. Just beyond frustrating. Any advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.
The treatment you and your son are receiving by the PD, while shoddy, is common. Most PDs have such heavy caseloads that they cannot devote adequate time to any one defendant. The result is a couple of 15 to 20 minute meetings with the client every several months. There is no way that an attorney can do justice to a case without being more involved.
What are his charges???
Many PDs are extremely reluctant to go to trial and are content with just negotiating a plea with the prosecutor in exchange for a guilty plea. Some charges are charges in which it is unwise to even think about going to trial, and in that case a PD is fine if he or she has a good relationship with the judge and DA.
You said, " I have no clue who to call and I am afraid to complain about it because I don't want it to hurt my son."
I would call the PD often until he or she sees your son. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the most grease. At this point, I don't see how complaining can hurt your son any more than basically ignoring him, as this PD seems to be doing.
But most of all, to begin with, you as his mother, need someone to talk to about his case. Right now you know nothing about his case, the possible outcome, or how long this process will take. You need to talk to the PD to at least give you some answers.
The fear of the unknown and not having your questions answered is paralyzing and will eventually consume a person.
My advice is to start calling the PD and sending emails until you get some clarity on your son's issues.
As a last resort, your son can petition the court for a different PD, but you must pull out all the stops to communicate with his current PD first.
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