If the D.A. knows the victim in my case, is this conflict of interest?
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If the D.A. knows the victim in my case, is this conflict of interest?
I’m being charged with burglary and the victim works for the D.A. He said he won’t be lenient on me because of this.
Asked on March 22, 2012 under Criminal Law, Georgia
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Not necessarily. Legally and ethically, a conflict of interest exists when the legal representation of one client will adversely affect the legal interests of another client. Because the D.A. are supposed to represent the interests of the public at large, a D.A.'s relationship with a victim is generally not grounds for a conflict of interest. However, if you or your attorney believes that this personal realtionship will in some way be prejudicial to your right to have a fair trial, then this issue needs to raised to the judge for the judge to decide if a new D.A. needs to take on the case.
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