I am under a lot of stress as I am not use to Scottish system and require some help. I have been accused of assault with intent to rape. I pled not guilty and ended up on legal aid with a solicitor. He was kind and understanding, but he wouldn’t do the things I asked him to. This included talking to witnesses, getting a medical expert as I am physically unable to run which is part of the accusation.
I was on legal aid, I ended up changing solicitors. Before taking me on, the solicitor was sharp, intelligent and asked every question. Unfortunately his tone is changed and blatantly told me that do NOT expect a A class service as I am on legal aid and that since he is not being paid privately there is so much he can do.
He tells me he can’t get anyone to interview the witnesses because legal aid board pays something close to £12/ hour and it just isn’t worth the money. He also tells me that I have very high expectations; I have moaned at few occasions that he doesn’t return calls. When I manage to get appointment, I am shoved on to assistants who are of no help. The solicitor knows that my parents have the financial means, but I don’t. He’s pushed me at few occasions now asking that I should be paying privately to the tune of £250/hour. This solicitor is a solicitor advocate.
My trial is one month; I am blue and purple with this guy and lacking confidence that he will do his best for me. I’ve explained him that I can’t have a half-hearted effort. He told me he will do whatever he can with the limited resources allowed by legal aid. I am desperate as I have no clue how I got charged with this. My position is that I’m a victim of mistaken identity.
Can someone please shed some guidance? I’ve spoken to my parents and they are willing to help out financially and pay privately. They aren’t rich but are willing to dip in their pension money to help me with whatever I need. I feel bad, as I do qualify for legal aid and I feel I am being extorted by my own solicitor. He was quoting £20-25K for the case which is ludicrous.
Can anyone recommend other solicitors or QC’s? The case is being heard in Glasgow Sheriff court.
I was on legal aid, I ended up changing solicitors. Before taking me on, the solicitor was sharp, intelligent and asked every question. Unfortunately his tone is changed and blatantly told me that do NOT expect a A class service as I am on legal aid and that since he is not being paid privately there is so much he can do.
He tells me he can’t get anyone to interview the witnesses because legal aid board pays something close to £12/ hour and it just isn’t worth the money. He also tells me that I have very high expectations; I have moaned at few occasions that he doesn’t return calls. When I manage to get appointment, I am shoved on to assistants who are of no help. The solicitor knows that my parents have the financial means, but I don’t. He’s pushed me at few occasions now asking that I should be paying privately to the tune of £250/hour. This solicitor is a solicitor advocate.
My trial is one month; I am blue and purple with this guy and lacking confidence that he will do his best for me. I’ve explained him that I can’t have a half-hearted effort. He told me he will do whatever he can with the limited resources allowed by legal aid. I am desperate as I have no clue how I got charged with this. My position is that I’m a victim of mistaken identity.
Can someone please shed some guidance? I’ve spoken to my parents and they are willing to help out financially and pay privately. They aren’t rich but are willing to dip in their pension money to help me with whatever I need. I feel bad, as I do qualify for legal aid and I feel I am being extorted by my own solicitor. He was quoting £20-25K for the case which is ludicrous.
Can anyone recommend other solicitors or QC’s? The case is being heard in Glasgow Sheriff court.
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