What is the name of your state? Massachussetts.
Several months ago my previous employer went to my local Police department and filed a complaint against me for allegedly stealing money from the company. I recieved a call from a police detective asking for me to come to his office for an interview. I immediately called a lawyer to ask for assistance on how to handle this matter. The Lawyer who I found on the internet told me not to go to the police interview and he would handle the case for a $5000 dollar retainer fee. After agreeing to the fee, I figured my case would be handled accordingly. After a few months I recieved a letter from the previous employer briefly outlining the details and demanding repayment of $14000 dollars for which they claim I took. I totally disagree with the amount they have requested. Again I contacted my Lawyer and he said he would handle it. Another couple months pass and I recieve a summons from the local sheriff to respond to the employer within 20 days or be in default and judgement would go against me for the full amount requested by my employer. After several phone calls and a registered letter to my lawyer I hired to contest this case he has responded back to me that I would have to pay another $5000 for him to continue with this case because it is now a civil case and requires further work. I have several issues not only with this case, but now I feel my attourney has not represented me fairly and has taken money for services not rendered. This lawyer has made at very best 3-4 phone calls on my behalf and that is it. Am I right in feeling I have been bent over for $5000 by this lawyer and I have not accomplished a thing in this case other than to have the plaintiff file a civil case against me. Any comments would be very much appreciated. I did check and this lawyer has a good standing with the Bar.
Several months ago my previous employer went to my local Police department and filed a complaint against me for allegedly stealing money from the company. I recieved a call from a police detective asking for me to come to his office for an interview. I immediately called a lawyer to ask for assistance on how to handle this matter. The Lawyer who I found on the internet told me not to go to the police interview and he would handle the case for a $5000 dollar retainer fee. After agreeing to the fee, I figured my case would be handled accordingly. After a few months I recieved a letter from the previous employer briefly outlining the details and demanding repayment of $14000 dollars for which they claim I took. I totally disagree with the amount they have requested. Again I contacted my Lawyer and he said he would handle it. Another couple months pass and I recieve a summons from the local sheriff to respond to the employer within 20 days or be in default and judgement would go against me for the full amount requested by my employer. After several phone calls and a registered letter to my lawyer I hired to contest this case he has responded back to me that I would have to pay another $5000 for him to continue with this case because it is now a civil case and requires further work. I have several issues not only with this case, but now I feel my attourney has not represented me fairly and has taken money for services not rendered. This lawyer has made at very best 3-4 phone calls on my behalf and that is it. Am I right in feeling I have been bent over for $5000 by this lawyer and I have not accomplished a thing in this case other than to have the plaintiff file a civil case against me. Any comments would be very much appreciated. I did check and this lawyer has a good standing with the Bar.