Can a defense attorney represent you if they have vested interest in the business that pressed charges?

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Can a defense attorney represent you if they have vested interest in the business that pressed charges?

I just recently found out that the attorneys I had for a criminal charge had
vested monetary interest in a hotel that was pressing charges for a bad check
case. The case was upgraded to a felony after the prosecutor asked the bank to
send any, or all checks that came in even if the business or persons didn’t press
charges.

Asked on February 9, 2017 under Criminal Law, Florida

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

You have grounds for an appeal of the conviction because the defense attorney(s) representing you did not disclose their conflict of interest.
The defense attorney(s) should have disclosed the conflict of interest to you in writing and informed you that you had the right to discuss the matter with another attorney and decide whether you wanted to continue having your original attorneys represent you or change attorneys.
You might also want to file a complaint with the Wisconsin State Bar regarding the failure of your attorneys to disclose their conflict of interest.


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