Kris Califano was appointed to represent me in a trumped up misdemeanor case. Upon our first conversation he assured me of how good he was and how he handled felonies... Not to worry. Several conversations and two continuances later he informs me that he is still trying to get information all the while knowing he is risking my occupation.
I finally told him I would take a plea even though I was defending myself on my own property and Mr. Califano advises me against it. Then he calls a few days later and tells me to take the plea. Back and forth he would swing. I did not know what to do. On the day of court Kris was not prepared and was so angry at me for asking questions about the case he began to raise his voice at me saying completely in appropriate things.
He was obviously aggravated because my questions were relevant and he did not do any work on my case at all. He got me such a great plea that I got to pay restitution for items that do not exist and that are not related to the case.
He would not listen to my side of the story yet he was supposed to be representing me. I believe he entrapped my witness into saying things he would not normally say just to discredit him so that I would have not witnesses at trial. Therefore, he backed me into a corner to take the plea so he could stop dealing with this case. Had he listened to me and gave an ounce of care he would have discovered mitigating factors that would have had lent cause to have the case dismissed.
If you get Kris as your defender ask for another attorney. I am so sorry that I did not replace him after our first conversation.
0 comments