Yes, you can switch lawyers mid-case. This might be the right option if you consistently disagree with your attorney on legal strategy, cannot get a hold of them when you need them or do not feel they are working in your best interests.
Finding the right Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer can be critical to your case. If you do not feel confident in or comfortable with your current attorney, do not hesitate to find someone else.
When to Switch Lawyers Mid-Case
After your case is underway, it may seem like an unnecessary hassle to switch representatives. After all, your current lawyer already knows all about your case, so why switch to someone who would have to learn about it from scratch?
This case will have a big impact on your future career prospects, family life, and financial security. You do not want to leave such important things up to chance—or to a lawyer you do not have faith in. Below are common reasons to change attorneys mid-case.
You and Your Lawyer Disagree Too Often
There may be more than one way to approach your defense. For example, you might want to get your case over with as quickly as possible while your attorney keeps pushing for a strategy that would take longer than you think is acceptable.
In this situation, the defense attorney may be perfectly competent, but their idea of how your case should go differs from yours. You should, therefore, find a legal representative who is just as competent but more willing to respect your wishes.
Of course, differences of opinion do happen, and you hired your attorney because of their talent and expertise in their field, but they should be able to explain their advice to you so that you understand why they believe that it is in your best interests and then agree or disagree. You should not feel as though you and your attorney are implementing different strategies even if you have differences of opinion.
You Have Lost Confidence in Your Lawyer
Your attorney must conduct themselves in a professional and capable yet approachable manner. This assures the client that their case—and future—is in the right hands.
A client may rightfully lose faith and decide to change attorneys mid-case if the lawyer:
- Does not answer their calls or emails in a reasonable amount of time
- Seems confused or unsure a lot of the time
- Gives legal counsel that often backfires or is not in the client’s best interest
Your Lawyer does Not Have the Right Experience for Your Case
While criminal defense attorneys generally take various cases, they may have more experience in some areas than others. For example, perhaps you are facing firearms charges under the Uniform Firearms Act and hired your attorney to manage your gun charge case, but then you learned they have minimal courtroom experience with such cases.
If you find out partway through your case that your attorney does not have the kind of experience you require, you can find someone with more relevant experience and switch lawyers mid-case.
For a free legal consultation, call 215.515.3360
How to Switch Attorneys in the Middle of a Legal Case
If you are dissatisfied with your current lawyer for any reason, you can start by searching online or asking friends for recommendations for other law firms. Look for firms that:
- Serve your area
- Can show, via case results or testimonials listed on their site, that they have experience with cases like yours
- Have positive reviews from your trusted friends and/or the firm’s clients
Meeting With a New Attorney Mid-Case
Once you have found a promising firm or several firms, you will not want to waste any time in setting up an appointment to meet them. Since your case is already underway, you want to give your new attorney as much time as possible to learn about your case and review your entire case file as they determine an effective defense.
At your first meeting with your prospective defense lawyer, you will want to:
- Explain exactly where you are in your case and what has been accomplished (or not) so far
- Tell them why you are dissatisfied with your current legal representative
- Ask them about anything you have concerns about, especially those areas that you feel your current attorney has fallen short in
Finalizing Your Change of Attorneys
Once you have selected a new lawyer, you must tell your previous lawyer about the switch. The contract you signed with them may include guidelines for how to issue a termination notice.
Always remember that your defense lawyer works for you. If, at any time, for any reason, you are not happy with how they are representing you, it is your right to replace them, no matter where you are in your case.
Potential Benefits of Switching Lawyers Mid-Case
No attorney can guarantee a particular case result, but going through a stressful, time-consuming legal process with a representative you trust can make all the difference to your peace of mind and your future. A competent attorney will:
- Keep you informed throughout your case. You should know what is happening at all times and react to new developments promptly. Simply knowing and understanding what is happening can lift a big weight off your shoulders.
- Provide clear and actionable guidance for how to handle your case. Their job is to help you make your own decisions, not to dictate your case’s path for you.
- Figure out how to fight for the best possible outcome. For example, if you are accused of a drug crime like possession with intent to distribute, your lawyer could work to get that charge reduced to simple possession, which typically comes with much less onerous penalties.
Possible Downsides of Changing Lawyers Mid-Case
The legal process is already very stressful, and switching partway through to a new lawyer who you are less familiar with and who has little firsthand knowledge of your case can add to your stress levels. In addition, seeking out a new lawyer when you are already preoccupied can be taxing as well. You should do your best to communicate with your current lawyer why you are having second thoughts about their representation. You must also remember that your new attorney will not be part of any fee disputes with the former attorney.
That said, if you have any doubts about your legal representative, making the switch may make you feel better in the long run: some short-term anxiety can lead to long-term satisfaction and emotional well-being.
Are You Considering Switching Lawyers Mid-Case? Call Us Today
Talk to the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, before you make a final decision about hiring alternative counsel. We can discuss the challenges and benefits of switching attorneys, as well as what legal requirements you must satisfy to switch lawyers mid-case.
Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how our team can help you.
