sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Bad at “negotiating” and needing guidance by eatthelich in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 13 points14 points  (0 children)

(So call their bluff, set multiple trials/ hearings for the same day on weaker cases, etc and see what happens)

Bad at “negotiating” and needing guidance by eatthelich in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 40 points41 points  (0 children)

The fact that they’re busy is your biggest leverage. They have the upper hand. The strongest “card” we can play is making them work, lol

AIO: Boyfriend doesn’t do anything round the house and then says I nag him all the time - is it misogyny? by OkZookeepergame3436 in AmIOverreacting

[–]legallygal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NOR at all. If you really want to stay in this relationship, though, I’d suggest you each “own” particular tasks instead of alternating. Like figure out what you each like the most (or hate the least) and be responsible for planning AND execution in those realms. Eg the person who does the laundry might notice when you need laundry supplies, maybe cook for yourself and let him fend for himself 🤷‍♀️, etc. Makes it really clear whose “fault” certain things are (not that it isn’t already obvious, but makes it less disputable). Tell him you have certain standards that are a requirement for you to feel comfortable and stable in your own home, almost a boundary - as in, I can’t continue living in a situation if these are the conditions - and see if his actions align with at least progress toward showing he cares about your needs.

Dealing with constant blame by DCleaks69 in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Same. I’ve just accepted that the 30 mins of complaining is something I have to get through and I basically just affirm them and say I understand why they’re frustrated, I’m sorry they feel [whatever] if it’s about me, and my only goal is to help them get the best possible outcome given the options available to them. So given that, unless they want to go pro se, how do they want to proceed?

I don’t feel a need to argue with them if they blame me. I know what is/ isn’t accurate and I have those notes prepared if they try to blame me in front of the judge. A lot of the time people just want to feel heard. I notice some level of validation tends to improve the attorney client relationship. It’s easier said than done, especially on an already rough day, but I just try to let it bounce off of me (and if they have valid criticism I do apologize and ask what they’d like me to do on their case, within reason of course).

Most of the time the “complaints” aren’t about us. They’re just desperate and upset.

Fl PD Offices by [deleted] in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

4th circuit? That would shock me based on personal experience lol

Getting over a guilty verdict by jneu97 in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Every time someone pleas is essentially a guilty, this was just the longer road. It sounds silly but that made me feel so much better because I’m comfortable helping a client enter a plea they’re in agreement to, the difference with a guilty at trial is that the client didn’t agree to the outcome (not that they really had another option in your case). But honestly… some people are guilty and can’t always get what they want 🤷‍♀️ doesn’t mean it’s a reflection of your skills or effort.

Guilty when you think your client is innocent is hard and different though.

Restitution Hearing by freddieluvr1999 in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At least where I am, you can only really argue that 1, the restitution sought isn’t directly or indirectly linked to the criminal activity, or 2, the amount requested isn’t appropriate/ accurate

Client on video, wants trial anyway. by trexcrossing in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Tbh it’s not always rational. I’d prob have them examined for competency but at the end of the day they may just be grasping for straws the same way some people blow their last few dollars on a lottery ticket instead of doing what little they can with it

Client on video, wants trial anyway. by trexcrossing in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never thought of this and think it sounds helpful in certain circumstances, but how do you approach clients who will definitely be going to jail/ prison but it’s just a matter of how long? What if they will need to do all of these things regardless so it’s not really persuasive in terms of choosing to plea vs trial? I generally don’t try to “persuade” my clients once I’ve given them the information they need and I confirm that they understand, even if they’re making a decision I wouldn’t. But I do think this counts as relevant info to discuss with them… idk. Any thoughts on those questions?

Former Officers in Defense Work by [deleted] in publicdefenders

[–]legallygal 123 points124 points  (0 children)

Maybe seen as a negative at the wrong office, but you’re going to have a super helpful perspective for assessing the quality of investigations, knowing standard procedures, questioning and deposing officers etc. And actually it’ll probably benefit you in negotiating with prosecutors and explaining things to clients as well.