lawyer_fta
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Maryland
I was arrested for a DWI (and a couple other traffic charges) a couple weeks ago. My preliminary was scheduled for 7/26. I contracted the services of a reputable lawyer--4 days after my arrest and 6 days prior to my preliminary. The lawyer advised me that I did not need to attend the preliminary...she would be there...and it was just a formality for the judge to say that there was indeed sufficient evidence for the case to go to trial...and to set a trial date.
Two days following my preliminary, I received notification from the court that 3 bench warrants had been issued for me due to failure to appear (3 charges...3 warrants). Also, my motor vehicle hearing that had already been scheduled for 5 days after my temp license expires was now cancelled due to my FTA and moved to about 40 days after my temp license expires.
I confirmed today that there was a screw-up at the lawyer's office...and indeed, the lawyer did not appear at my preliminary.
Is this considered legal malpractice? What in the world do I do now?
I was arrested for a DWI (and a couple other traffic charges) a couple weeks ago. My preliminary was scheduled for 7/26. I contracted the services of a reputable lawyer--4 days after my arrest and 6 days prior to my preliminary. The lawyer advised me that I did not need to attend the preliminary...she would be there...and it was just a formality for the judge to say that there was indeed sufficient evidence for the case to go to trial...and to set a trial date.
Two days following my preliminary, I received notification from the court that 3 bench warrants had been issued for me due to failure to appear (3 charges...3 warrants). Also, my motor vehicle hearing that had already been scheduled for 5 days after my temp license expires was now cancelled due to my FTA and moved to about 40 days after my temp license expires.
I confirmed today that there was a screw-up at the lawyer's office...and indeed, the lawyer did not appear at my preliminary.
Is this considered legal malpractice? What in the world do I do now?