Client Bill of Rights

Confidentiality – You have the right to tell your lawyer everything and to not have your lawyer reveal anything you share without your permission. You have the right to have your lawyer explain this to you. The rule governing attorney-client confidentiality is absolute but for some extremely limited exceptions regarding the prevention of imminent death or serious bodily harm to others.

Communication – You have the right to be informed in a timely manner of all progress in your case. Among other things, this includes your right to be notified of new court dates, when discovery is provided to your attorney, as well as any plea offers that might be extended. 

Respect – You have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect at all times by your attorney and any staff in the attorney’s office. 

Responsiveness – You have the right to have your calls, letters, emails, texts, questions, and concerns responded to and addressed in a timely manner.

Information Access – You have the right to obtain copies of any pleadings or motions filed by your attorney or the State, as well as any orders from the court. You also have a right to review the discovery provided by the State with your attorney or any turned over by your attorney to the State, unless there is a court order prohibiting your reviewing these documents.

Competent Counsel – You have the right to be represented by an attorney who is knowledgeable, skilled, who has access to the necessary resources and support they need to defend your case, and who has the time to provide your case the attention it needs.

Informed Decisions – You have the right to be informed by your attorney of the consequences of any decisions you may make in your case. This includes the right to information you need to make an informed decision about what to do. You have a right to be advised of the material advantages and disadvantages of a proposed course of conduct and a right to discuss your options and any alternatives with your attorney.

Direction of the Case – In any criminal case, after consultation with your attorney, you have a right to make the decision about whether to plead guilty or to take your case to trial. You also have the right to decide for yourself whether or not you will testify.

Conflict-Free Representation – You have a right to your attorney’s loyalty. Your attorney may not represent you if that representation conflicts with the attorney’s representation of other clients or interests, past or present. 

Reporting Poor Performance – If you are concerned about the quality of the representation you are receiving, you have the right to report your concerns regarding your attorney without it affecting your case.  Please contact the Managed Assigned Counsel office directly to discuss concerns or file a complaint.  Our office can be reached by phone at 806-242-3415,  or email us at papdmac@papdmac.org