It is fortunate that a Star is even required, as I would otherwise decline to provide one. Initially, I was informed that my case would be straightforward, requiring an upfront payment of $3,500. This payment was made, yet I did not meet with the attorney until the day of the court appearance. During the proceedings, the attorney did not advocate on my behalf, and all points I raised were dismissed without consideration. Upon receiving the plea offer from the District Attorney, I presented it to the attorney. I rejected the offer due to my innocence, a fact that would be evident if further investigation had occurred.They They should have conducted a thorough investigation and engaged in a direct discussion with me, but this never occurred. No details were ever reviewed with me. Subsequently, the only communication I received from them was regarding payment collection. When the $500 payment was due, they would contact me incessantly, yet otherwise, they would not initiate calls or discuss the case with me. When I attempted to inquire about the case, I received conflicting information over the phone compared to what was presented in court. We attended court twice. On both occasions, it was merely a matter of entering, being offered a plea deal, which I declined, and then departing. There was no advocacy on my behalf. It was simply the District Attorney stating, "This is our offer; present it to her." Following this, they requested their payment. Ultimately, I faced the prospect of a trial, and they demanded an additional $10,000, despite my having already paid them $8,000. What was the value I received from this? Nothing, absolutely nothing at all. As a single mother, $8,000 could have been utilized far more effectively elsewhere, or I could have secured more competent legal representation, as I have now, given that I had to retain another attorney for my case.
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