I have hired an attorney at Law offices of David Michael Cantor facing charges of a DUI. I was very confident in my attorney, and felt that he was passionate about my case. Since the city of Mesa does not offer any plea bargains, my lawyer had recommended going to trial. My case was under. 08 blood and I had many more legal factors that could have been argued in the court room. On the day of my trial, the police officer did not show up, therefore the case was dismissed and the prosecutor agreed not to refile my case. I felt this was half the victory, but still I was ever so thankful to my lawyer whom I thought very highly of.
A couple of weeks later I have recommended a friend to the firm facing identical charges. They have offered her a $1,000 off legal fees due to my referral which made me feel this was an not ethical business practice since I did not receive the same discount. Upon my inquiry regarding to this, I was abruptly told that this is due to today's economy's recession.
I then wanted to inquire about the trial fee I have paid.in my contract, it clearly states that if the trial is to be dismissed, dropped, or cancelled, I am entitled to receive the remaining balance. When bringing this to attention of my lawyer, he became very irrate on the phone, and was basically yelling stating that this applies to felonies which is no where mentioned in the contract. Then my lawyer asks if I would be happy if he didn't take my friend's case. The rudeness elevated. He kept reminding me about how I should be thankful. I am a thousand times thankful to him, and I have expressed it to him, but it seems that he cannot put aside his emotions and discuss legal terms of my contract without anger.
I am not getting any money back for the trial that never happened. My friend who was waiting to sign a contract to hire my lawyer - never heard back from them.
The city of Mesa has now brought a different charge against me which is of lesser grade. My lawyer has indicated that if this was to happen, to contact him immediately. He is now not returning my calls, and I am now on my own for representation after paying $10,000 in legal fees, without going to trial.
I am very upset. I would think that a lawyer would understand what it is like to pursue justice/fairness.
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