I hired a lawyer for a DUI case 3 years ago. I was given a deferment for 3 years to get put down to negligent driving, I paid him 5k to follow my case till the end of my deferment period of 3 years. My final hearing for the end of the deferment is May 15. I tried contacting him as I hadn’t heard from him and the phones were disconnected. I called the courthouse and was granted a telephone hearing which I still need a lawyer for. I asked about my lawyer and they told me he was a judge now and has been since 2018 and is not practicing. I was never notified he was no longer my lawyer and was not transferred to another lawyer. Instead I’ve had no representation when I thought I did for 2 years. I was told I would need to get another lawyer through public defender if I qualify which I probably won’t or hire another one. I’m a nurse working in a hospital hit by COVID which is why I asked for telephone. I might get sick and have no income I can’t afford another lawyer when I’ve paid one prior
What county is your case from?
I assume you have fulfilled all the requirements for your reduction to Neg Driving 1st degree right?
In all likelihood, you don't need a lawyer for that final hearing. You have a right to be represented, but that is a right you can waive. Every court handles these things a little bit differently, but you should not be penalized because your lawyer is no longer in practice. Your situation is not all that uncommon, should be easily fixable.
