Defendent/inmate, doesn't have the funds to pay for the transcript at this point and is indigent. I say He/We, because the inmate is a family member. He has mental illness, & a neurological disorder. He has no idea how to handle any of this. I am his advocate, along with NAMI and a few other groups wanting to help. I used to have legal guardianship. Do not anymore. Not sure if that is the way to go, so per your knowledgeable answers Mr. Knowitall, in a previous post, I decided that I should just get Power of Attorney for now, until I can decide further to get mental health care power. Or if I have to, then get legal guardianship. <-- that is a difficult one for myself to deal with, but I will do what I must.
As for attorney. aka Public Defender. She has failed to do anything in this case. Each time the defendent turned to her for help, she refused to help. She confirmed to the defendent, the night before sentencing, that the prison time was ___yrs, then in sentencing, the judge stated the same, but the prosecutor spoke up, and said different. So the years were changed to reflect what the prosecutor said. The judge stated she didn't get it right, (not her exact words) Then the public defender said she made a mistake! The defendent had to take this "change", out of fear.
The attorneys appointed to the defendent, plus one that was hired, all failed horribly. Some were reprimanded, yet the defendant was the one that paid the price, because the judge and prosecutor were angry due to the fact that this case went on too long.
I cannot afford an attorney myself. So I am doing what I can on my own. Once we read the transcript, then we will know if we need to figure out how to get an attorney. One was paid a very large amount, over a grand, just to review the case. Another had to be fired, due to the fact he was suspended for a time while he was on the case and also on probation by the Bar assoc, AND lied to the judge! He was suspended again after we fired him. This took all the funds we had.
I have NEVER had to deal with incompetent attorneys like this. Now I am trying to do all of this on my own. This forum is my only hope for answers. I am trying very hard, not to ask too many questions, or write too much. I am researching as much as I can on my own, so as not to bother all of you if possible. I don't even pretend to be an attorney, but I have no choice than to help.
On many cases, the public defender, or the attorney that was suspended, didn't have the documents she was supposed to, and I had to speak up and tell them I had it, so they would take if from me, review it, then provide it to the court / judge / prosecutor, when we were in hearing.
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Court reporter called, stated transcripts would be $70 on up. I stated inmate is indigent & incarcerated. She stated that his attorney ( public defender ) was given them.
Question Is this Public Defender supposed to give those to the inmate? Because inmate does not have them.
Queston 2. HOW does inmate get them from attorney, or can we obtain them from the courthouse on our own.
Thank you.

