Inadequate representation refers to legal representation that is insufficient, ineffective, or that does not meet the minimum standards of competence and diligence expected of an attorney. Basically, it means that the lawyer's performance was not up to par and may have hurt the client's case. Some examples of inadequate representation may include failure to investigate potential witnesses or evidence, failure to present a viable defense, a conflict of interest, lack of communication with the client, or incompetence in legal arguments and court proceedings. A review of lawyers' conduct in capital punishment cases in Tennessee revealed that, in a quarter of capital punishment cases, attorneys presented no mitigating evidence during the trial.
In Philadelphia, 60 percent of all capital punishment cases were handled without proper investigation or experienced attorneys. Professor James Liebman, from Columbia University, examined all capital sentences between 1973 and 1995 and found that 68 percent of the cases had been overturned. Inadequate representation was one of the main reasons for the high reversion rate. LegalMatch is an online platform that can help you find the right lawyer for your specific legal needs, including issues related to inadequate legal representation.
If you are facing criminal charges or believe that you have had inadequate legal representation, consult with an experienced criminal lawyer. Use LegalMatch today to get in touch with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney who can help you with issues related to inadequate legal representation. A defendant might consider suing their lawyer for legal negligence if a wrongful conviction occurred due to a inadequate legal representation.
