What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA
I received a DUI in December. It was raining and my car lost traction and hit the center divider. My car was disabled and I could not drive. The airbag deployed so I got a call from the cars assist service. They sent a tow truck to come help me. Somehow the cops showed up also. I wonder if the car called the cops. LOL.
Anyway, I was really nervous and it was cold and raining. They smelled alcohol on me. I had only 4 beers in a matter of 3 hours (I'm 6'1, 200) They performed the road side tests and I passed them all. They decided to still take me in.
I blew a .05 first time and .05 the second. The cops still went through with the arrest.
I got a lawyer because I wanted to play it safe. I could not afford to spend any of my time at the DMV or court. The lawyer charged me 3500. We agreed I would pay 1500 up front and two installments of 1000. I paid the first installment of 1000 and have an outstanding balance of 1000.
He filled the extension to the DMV for my license. My license was immediately given back to me from the DMV without a trial, since I blew below a .08. So he did not need to do anything.
I basically have not heard from him and every time I emailed him he would respond with "No word yet from the DA". I ask if he has my police report yet and he says no.
Today I get a letter from the police department stating the Deputy DA has declined to prosecute. No complaint will be filed. Case dismissed
So basically all my lawyer did was file my extension and talk with me for an hour on my preliminary interview.
My question is do I need to pay him the remainder owed ($1000). Can I go to him and ask for some of my money back since he basically did nothing and the case was dismissed without any effort on his behalf?
I did not sign off on any agreement saying I owe him a total of $3500. All I signed was a document agreeing for him to represent me. He emailed a retainer outlining our agreement but I never needed to sign it.
I am willing to eat the 2500 but I don't think I should need to pay him the balance of $1000.
Opinions are greatly appreciated.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
I received a DUI in December. It was raining and my car lost traction and hit the center divider. My car was disabled and I could not drive. The airbag deployed so I got a call from the cars assist service. They sent a tow truck to come help me. Somehow the cops showed up also. I wonder if the car called the cops. LOL.
Anyway, I was really nervous and it was cold and raining. They smelled alcohol on me. I had only 4 beers in a matter of 3 hours (I'm 6'1, 200) They performed the road side tests and I passed them all. They decided to still take me in.
I blew a .05 first time and .05 the second. The cops still went through with the arrest.
I got a lawyer because I wanted to play it safe. I could not afford to spend any of my time at the DMV or court. The lawyer charged me 3500. We agreed I would pay 1500 up front and two installments of 1000. I paid the first installment of 1000 and have an outstanding balance of 1000.
He filled the extension to the DMV for my license. My license was immediately given back to me from the DMV without a trial, since I blew below a .08. So he did not need to do anything.
I basically have not heard from him and every time I emailed him he would respond with "No word yet from the DA". I ask if he has my police report yet and he says no.
Today I get a letter from the police department stating the Deputy DA has declined to prosecute. No complaint will be filed. Case dismissed
So basically all my lawyer did was file my extension and talk with me for an hour on my preliminary interview.
My question is do I need to pay him the remainder owed ($1000). Can I go to him and ask for some of my money back since he basically did nothing and the case was dismissed without any effort on his behalf?
I did not sign off on any agreement saying I owe him a total of $3500. All I signed was a document agreeing for him to represent me. He emailed a retainer outlining our agreement but I never needed to sign it.
I am willing to eat the 2500 but I don't think I should need to pay him the balance of $1000.
Opinions are greatly appreciated.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?