Ethical question

caomt

Member
might i ask what race he is?
10k-15k is cheap for armed robbery..
you think he could maybe get off with 5 years + 10 years probation if hes good in there?
 
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jcrim

Guest
Originally Posted by caomt
might i ask what race he is?
10k-15k is cheap for armed robbery..
you think he could maybe get off with 5 years + 10 years probation if hes good in there?
I've never seen him face to face... from his voice I believe he's african american. He is not asking me to handle his initial case. As I mentioned before, he is looking to appeal the jury's decision. He cannot get resentenced unless there was a successful appeal.
BTW, you sound like you could use a couple of my business cards... LOL. Why don't I work in Kansas City???
 

caomt

Member
what citys are you able to?
im turnin 20 in july.. im stilll young.. live and learn. im still under investigation for some stuff.. still havent had anything thrown at me yet.. they took all my stuff out of my room.. even my dedorant
 

scubadoo

Active Member
You stated you are pretty sure he is unable to pay.. I would think you would first need to verify that this is a fact...then go from there. I'm certain you are aware of the following.....
6.1:200 Lawyer's Moral Obligation to Engage in Public Interest Legal Service
¥ Primary Michigan References: MI Rule 6.1
¥ Background References: ABA Model Rule 6.1, Other Jurisdictions
¥ Commentary: ABA/BNA ¤ 91:6001, ALI-LGL ¤ , Wolfram ¤ 16.9
¥ MI Commentary: Dubin and Schwartz MRPC 6.1
In 1990, the Representative Assembly of the State Bar of Michigan approved voluntary standards for pro bono participation by Michigan lawyers to supplement MRPC 6.1. The guidelines provide that an attorney may meet the pro bono obligation by such means as providing representation without charge to a minimum of three low income individuals, providing a minimum of thirty hours of legal services without charge to low income individuals or organizations, and contributing a minimum of thirty hours to a not for profit program organized for the purpose of delivering legal services to low income individuals or organizations.
 
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jcrim

Guest
Actually Scuba, I'll admit I haven't read the MRPC in a while. But not to worry, I always surpass those requirements for handling low income cases pro bono. I am also signing up for a free law clinic, which is also pro bono. I'm just not sure this particular person is the one for me to take for free.
 

scubadoo

Active Member
Your call...but my advice would be to seek the advice of an older criminal attorney with plenty experience . They can possibly explain the professional benefits a of taking a case for no pay ...possible referrals, etc. They may aslo advise to stay away from it and move on. IMO...you should seek the advice of someone that has already traveled down the road.
Perhaps you invest in a cause now with time...and the benefit is received many fold in the future. Maybe not.........
 
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jcrim

Guest
Older attorneys would tell me not to touch this case with a 10 ft pole. You're right about some "freebies" repaying themseves 10 fold but I don't think this is one of them. The appeal will most likely just affirm the jury verdict and IMO, prisoners are not the best referral sources. I do feel for the guy (I feel for all my clients) which is why I debated and wanted other peoples' opinions. But in the end, I should probably make a tough business decision... and pass on this one. I do appreciate your advice, though.
 

bluegirl

Member
Just my opinion, after having my family torn apart by deceit and being drug into the courtroom myself to testify against a relative on behalf of another relative. Do what you think is right, so that you can look yourself in the mirror each morning knowing that you did what was best for yourself and your family. Don't feel bad because you can't save the whole world. Good luck with your decision!
 
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jcrim

Guest
Just an update... I've gotten another letter from this gentlement today and I believe he may be suffering from some psychological issues. He is now convinced that if I speak with the prosecutor, they will dismiss the case that he's already been convicted of, release him from prison and PAY HIM COMPENSATION for his imprisonment. The more I hear from this person, the more my instincts are telling me that this is trouble. He also made some threats in the letter about the victim of the offense, saying, "I'll blow that B.... out of the water" and that he'd "sink her ship". I definitely think I'll have to pass on this one...
I'm glad I didn't commit myself to this case before...
 

puffer24/7

Active Member
are u aloud to discuss what the letter said jcrim, just out of curiosity and iam not being mean but just wondering
 
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jcrim

Guest
Originally Posted by puffer24/7
are u aloud to discuss what the letter said jcrim, just out of curiosity and iam not being mean but just wondering
Yes, I have not violated any confidentiality b/c nobody here has any knowledge of this person's identity or any confidential facts of this matter.
 

caomt

Member
he should of well thought about making that claim awhile back.. someone insane would not know they are "insane". you should just pass. 10 years for armed robbery is pretty short.. he should of thought about the consequences before he did any of that. thats why there is jail 1. to get those people off of the streets 2. for them to think about what they did everyday and how they are in jail will show if they should be released or not.. 10 years is just if he is good i bet he got about 12-13
 

puffer24/7

Active Member
Originally Posted by jcrim
Yes, I have not violated any confidentiality b/c nobody here has any knowledge of this person's identity or any confidential facts of this matter.
gotcha bro, thanks i was just curious u know
 
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