How doIfind out about discovery protocol if I’m pro se?
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How doIfind out about discovery protocol if I’m pro se?
I am facing a criminal charge and my lawyer just quit on me for financial reasons. I had the grand jury hearing the other day in which they handed down an indictment on me. My next court date is in 6 weeks, the pretrial conference. I want the DA’s files. At which point do I ask for them and how do I go about it? Do I need to submit anything in writing or do I call ahead or what?
Asked on September 18, 2011 under Criminal Law, Kentucky
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Do NOT represent yourself if you are facing a criminal charge--too much is at stake, and you also have recourse or options:
1) It may be that lawyer will not be allowed to quit on you at this point--not until you have new representation lined up. You can contact the court (e.g. the judge in your case), explain what happened, and see what the court does.
2) The other reason to contact the court is that you have a constitutional right to an attorney. If you lawyer quits and is not required to keep representing you, you have an absolute right to have a new lawyer appointed for you (e.g.a public defender)--so let the court know, the court can put this in motion.
Good luck.
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