6.13.21 LPDAM Outcomes

LPDAM Case Files: Outcomes With your 30+ years of experience in legal support Services, I have a special question for you today. What are some of the reason’s cases seem go well and others with the same set of facts don’t? SEAN: This is great question Joe! I have concluded that in most cases; it comes down to good communication between the client and their lawyer; as well as the client’s understanding of the court process. These two simple things can have a real impact on an outcome. In fact, a clear sign that communication issues exist is when you talk to the Client & lawyer, and both complain about the others’ inabilities to get something done. Winners have a team approach Joe! There is always a lot of finger pointing when there is a breakdown in services and responsibilities with either one or both lawyer & client. This often leads to non-beneficial plea agreements or longer sentences after a guilty finding. Lack of communication usually results in the client being underrepresented and can impact that person for the rest of their life through limited employment or housing opportunities. It’s not intentional, it just happens. The second piece of this puzzle involves the client’s understanding of how it works in the courts; also known as “the procedure.” I question I often get from clients is “do you think the lawyer is screwing me?” Because they saw their attorney talking to the opposing counsel or laugh at a side bar conversation. When you’re so dependent on another person to be your voice, you start to feel helpless and vulnerable. The anxiety associated with these feelings can cause a client to feel isolated & detached. When this happens, the client stops assisting in their own defense and bad outcomes typically follow. JOE: This makes sense Sean. Is there a solution to improve one’s chances of winning a case or getting a positive outcome? SEAN: Joe, the solution is social work advocates who possess a base knowledge of the court system; understand the elements of a crime; and have exceptional motivational and communication skills. We need to invest in our community, through quality methods to help people learn how to respond better; navigate through the court system; and provide the lawyer, the tools necessary to provide quality representation without interference. As with the social workers of the world, LPDAM takes a lot of pride in what we do as professional investigators. We get facts into the courtroom! Our work stands up in court! “Remember, you’re in good hands with LPDAM.”