How can I obtain a full copy of a criminal file to include evidence, when the attorney has passed away?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
How can I obtain a full copy of a criminal file to include evidence, when the attorney has passed away?
My husband was arrested and convicted of charge that in state legislation was in the middle of an upgrade from a misdemeanor to a second degree felony. The attorney on the case that I had hired did nothing to help my husband and it ended up in a conviction. I need to get the full file so I can see what can be done to reverse the conviction.
Asked on August 18, 2010 under Criminal Law, Connecticut
Answers:
M.S., Member, Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
First, you should determine if the attorney was a solo practitioner or if he was a member of a firm. If he was part of a firm, your husband should draft a letter to the firm demanding a copy of his file. They will most likely happily oblige. If they do not, he can threaten to file a grievance, and then if that still does not work, he can file one. Chances are, they will copy his file without any problem though. If, on the other hand, the attorney was a solo practitioner, then there will be no firm to contact. However, in Connecticut, when a solo attorney passes away there will be another attorney assigned to make sure his files are resolved and taken care of. You can find out who this attorney is through the Connecticut Bar Association. Once you have determined that, your husband should similarly demand a copy of his file in writing. Good luck.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.