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.

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rewdiazepam 12/25/2015

When the accused is arrested, the first thing they think about is an attorney----and rightfully so. Any person accused needs the protection of an attorney from the onset.

One question I see being asked time and time again is this-----"How do I choose a lawyer?? What type of lawyer is best for my needs?? Should I go with the local attorney who knows the DA or with the more experienced flashy attorney?

http://tinyurl.com/jko2cpv

I found an excellent discussion regarding which attorney to hire on another board. I did not want to copy and pasted the discussion, so I am providing a link------

BTW, a couple of the posters in this discussion are attorneys themselves.

Hopefully this will help out a few people----

rewdiazepam

angeladam 12/26/2015

I was fortunate and hired an attorney for my partner, after meeting thr public defender at the first court appearance. The public defender seemed overwhelmed and confused, and I got a really bad feeling that nothing good could come of having him represent my partner. I had to pay a lot of money for the private attorney, and I chose him based on his experience and his familiarity with both the DA and the judge assigned to the case. He has a long history of working with both, and was very knowledgeable and helpful to us. He visited my partner several times and was always quick to return emails- not so great at returning phone calls, but his assistant was great. In the end, he was able to get one charge dropped and have my partner serve in a special program that reduced his time significantly.
If you can possibly afford a private attorney, it's probably a good choice, especially if there are multiple charges.

anotherbrokenheart 12/26/2015

Angeladam: What programs are you referring to? How was the attorney instrumental in getting your partner into this special program?

angeladam 01/01/2016

I'm in New York, which has the Shock Incarceration program for non-violent first offenders. My partner's eligibility was questionable, because the police report was inaccurate. The attorney fought to have the report amended, which allowed my partner to attend the program. His sentence was 2 1/3- 7 and he served 6 months, plus his jail time (we couldn't afford to post his bail). It was a good deal and it would not have been possible without the attorney.

angeladam 01/01/2016

PS

COPS LIE.

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