Changing Your Defence Lawyer During Criminal Proceedings: When It’s Possible and How to Do It
At first, things seemed okay. But then…
Your lawyer doesn’t have time for you. You don’t understand each other. Or worse – they’re handling your case in a way you strongly disagree with.
“They’re not defending me at all!”
“I’m afraid to ask questions.”
“The judge will take this as a confession.”
If you feel unsafe or unheard during criminal proceedings, considering a change of lawyer is valid. But it’s not always automatic – there are rules and conditions to know.
Searching for “how to change lawyer during criminal case,” “dismiss defence attorney,” or “I don’t trust my public defender”?
You’re not alone. Many defendants face communication issues, broken trust, or unwanted defence strategies.
This article explains how and when you can change your lawyer, and what to expect if the court resists the change.
📌 What you’ll learn in this article:
How to switch a privately hired lawyer
When the court allows a change of court-appointed lawyer
What to do if the court refuses
What happens if you’re stuck with a lawyer you don’t trust
👨⚖️ Can I Change a Lawyer I Hired Myself?
Yes. If you hired your lawyer privately, you can change them anytime.
Just sign a new agreement with another attorney and notify the court and your current lawyer.
⚠️ Note: If the trial has already been scheduled, the court may refuse to postpone it just because of your last-minute switch.
⚖️ What About Court-Appointed Lawyers (ex offo)?
If your lawyer was appointed by the court, the change is not automatic. You must:
Submit a request for dismissal with reasons (e.g. lost trust, poor communication)
Optionally request another lawyer be appointed
Show the change is in the interest of a fair trial
The court may grant the request – but you are not guaranteed a new lawyer.
❌ When Can’t You Change Lawyers?
If your request seems strategic or aimed at delaying trial
If the new lawyer can’t get up to speed quickly
If the change would disrupt a crucial stage of the proceedings
💡 Real-Life Case Example
A client had a court-appointed lawyer who repeatedly ignored messages, missed an interrogation, and advised an unwelcome guilty plea.
After submitting communication logs and prior complaints, the court appointed a new defence lawyer – and the strategy turned in the client’s favour.
Feel like your lawyer doesn’t have your back?
📞 Contact me – I’ll evaluate your situation and help you request a change of defence.
🛡 Trust between lawyer and client is essential. Without it, defence is nearly impossible.
Contact a legal professional – I specialize in criminal law.
Learn more here.
- Publikováno:
- Naposledy aktualizováno: 03/07/2025
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Changing Your Defence Lawyer During Criminal Proceedings: When It’s Possible and How to Do It
Print At first, things seemed okay. But then…Your lawyer doesn’t have time for you. You don’t understand each other. Or worse – they’re handling your