أسئلة وأجوبة
What can I do if my lawyer is not preparing me or communicating well regarding my criminal case?
Good morning,
I have concerns about my lawyer whom I have paid to defend me in a criminal case. Communication with them is non-existent.
They simply gave me the first court date and told me to make sure I was there. They did not prepare me or give me guidance for the first hearing and did not tell me what I should do or say.
The lawyer who attended court is not one I have seen up until that point. I believe he was assigned by the law firm under their POA. He simply told me to take a seat and wait for the court then he walked away.
I now have an appeal coming (public prosecution appealed) and again, the law firm has not been in touch to prepare me or explain how to answer.
Each time, the law firm only told me they had already prepared my defense and sent it to the court (they did not show me the defense document).
Is this normal?
What should I have expected for preparation before a court appearance?
Thank you
Hello,
In criminal cases, lawyers have a duty to keep their clients informed and adequately prepared for hearings.
It’s not normal for a lawyer to remain silent or not communicate with their client in the preparation process.
Your lawyer should provide you with a detailed explanation of what to expect during the court hearing. They should prepare you for the questions you may face, the possible defenses, and the procedure of the court.
You should be guided on how to respond, what to say, and what not to say. Under UAE law, lawyers have an obligation to act in the best interests of their clients.
They must provide adequate advice, communicate effectively, and ensure that the client understands the legal process.
If this standard is not being met, the lawyer or law firm may be in breach of professional conduct.
Dear M.,
Good morning.
Your lawyer should provide clear guidance, preparation, and regular communication regarding your case. You have the right to be informed about your defense strategy and appeal process.
If you are not receiving proper legal support, you may request a meeting, demand transparency, or seek alternative representation.
We are ready to assist you with over 16 years of experience in UAE law.
Good morning,
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
Based on the information provided, it appears that your lawyer's conduct may fall short of the professional standards expected of legal practitioners in Dubai.
Below, I have outlined what you should reasonably expect from your legal counsel and the steps you can take to address these issues.
Professional Standards and Expectations
1. Communication and Transparency
A lawyer is obligated to maintain clear and consistent communication with their client. This includes:
- Explaining the legal process in detail, including court procedures and what is expected of you during hearings.
- Sharing all relevant documents, such as your defense submissions or appeal filings, to ensure transparency and keep you informed about your case.
2. Preparation for Court Appearances
Before any court hearing, your lawyer should prepare you by:
- Explaining courtroom etiquette, how to address the judge, and what to expect during the hearing.
- Discussing potential questions or scenarios that may arise in court.
- Ensure that the lawyer attending the hearing is someone familiar with your case and has been introduced to you in advance.
3. Representation During Appeals
In the case of an appeal, it is critical for your lawyer to:
- Clearly explain the grounds for the appeal and its implications for your case.
- Discuss and seek your input on the defense strategy being submitted to the court.
Concerns in Your Case
Based on what you have described:
- The lack of communication regarding your defense strategy and appeal documents is concerning and may not align with professional obligations under Dubai’s legal framework.
- Assigning a lawyer unfamiliar to you for a court appearance without prior notice or preparation raises questions about the firm’s commitment to adequately representing your interests.
Recommended Actions
1. Request Written Clarification
Contact your law firm formally (via email or letter) and request:
- A copy of all defense submissions and appeal documents filed on your behalf.
- An explanation of their strategy for handling your case moving forward.
- Confirmation of which lawyer will represent you in future hearings, along with their qualifications and familiarity with your case.
2. Consider Filing a Complaint
If the law firm continues to neglect its duties, you may escalate the matter by filing a formal complaint with:
- The Dubai Legal Affairs Department, which oversees lawyers' conduct in Dubai. You can submit a complaint online through their official website or visit their office in person.
- The Dubai Courts Prosecution Department, if you believe the firm’s actions have compromised your case.
3. Seek Alternative Representation
If you feel that trust has been irreparably damaged, consider consulting another law firm or lawyer who can provide more reliable representation for your appeal process. The Dubai Courts website offers resources for finding licensed lawyers in Dubai.
Final Note
You are entitled to professional representation that prioritizes your best interests, keeps you informed at every stage of the legal process, and ensures that you are adequately prepared for all court appearances.
If these standards are not being met, it is within your rights to take corrective action as outlined above.
Should you need further assistance or clarification on any of these steps, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Abdul Wahied
Good morning,
A lawyer’s duty includes clear communication, proper case preparation, and guiding the client through court proceedings.
Based on your concerns, the lack of communication and failure to prepare you for hearings is not standard practice.
Before a court appearance, you should expect:
- A detailed briefing on your defense strategy.
- Guidance on what to expect and how to respond in court.
- Access to key legal documents, unless there is a valid reason for confidentiality.
For your appeal, proper preparation is crucial to strengthen your defense. If you are not satisfied with your current representation, you have the right to seek new legal counsel.
Book a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy today to assess your case and ensure you are properly represented.
Best regards,
We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.
To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.
