I have a younger brother who is currently incarcerated and awaiting trial for a second degree murder charge in louisiana. His lawyer is court appointed and is not very interested in putting up a fight in the trial. He has as of yet to meet with my brother prior to trial to discuss possible outcomes, strategies and/or plea bargains. I understand that court appointed lawyers do not recieve regular pay especially for a case of this caliber. However, I do feel it is wrong for this lawyer to just sit there and make absolutely no attempt to defend my brother (or any client) to the best of his ability. My first question is can my brother file a complaint against his lawyer for his lack of work in this case? The trial has been reset several times due to the lawyer asking for a continuance because he is not prepared for trial. If there are papers that can be filed, is it too late for my brother to request a new lawyer?
Also, there is a chance my brother could beat the second degree charge but still possibly face perjury charges. I read that according to LA laws, sentencing does differ according to the kind of trial upon which the perjury was committed. If perjury was committed in another trial and not his own, how would the court/judge determine the sentencing on perjury?
Also, there is a chance my brother could beat the second degree charge but still possibly face perjury charges. I read that according to LA laws, sentencing does differ according to the kind of trial upon which the perjury was committed. If perjury was committed in another trial and not his own, how would the court/judge determine the sentencing on perjury?