what to do if you get a call from an attorney when you don't live in the area that called you

Ask the Phone Receptionist What is Going On If you get a live person on the phone when you call the lawyer's office, ask that person why you cannot seem to talk to your lawyer. Maybe he is in the hospital or there is some other reason, and the receptionist may be able to tell you.

Full Answer

What should I do if my attorney won’t call back?

If you have an attorney that won’t call you back and not responding, call the office. Make an appointment. Go in and meet with them and if that doesn’t solve your problem, then get a different attorney on board and fire the first one.

Is it illegal for a lawyer to call you for clients?

Lawyers shouldn’t be soliciting clients as a general rule, so receiving an unexpected phone call from an attorney should be a warning sign for accident victims. Many people are unaware that this practice is illegal and end up using the attorney’s services.

Should I call or write a letter to my attorney?

I appreciate that phone calls are easier and that you shouldn't have to write a letter to your own attorney. But when the attorney does not return phone calls and you do not know why you can't reach him on the phone, send him a letter.

Why can't I talk to my lawyer?

If you get a live person on the phone when you call the lawyer's office, ask that person why you cannot seem to talk to your lawyer. Maybe he is in the hospital or there is some other reason, and the receptionist may be able to tell you.

How do you know if you are being scammed on the phone?

How to Spot a Phone ScamA claim that you have been specially selected.Use of high-pressure sales tactics and “limited-time” offers.Reluctance to answer questions about the business or the offer.Request that you “confirm your personal information”More items...

Can you get scammed by answering a phone call?

If you answer the call, your number is considered 'good' by the scammers, even if you don't necessarily fall for the scam. They will try again because they know someone on the other side is a potential victim of fraud. The less you answer, the fewer robocalls you will receive.

What is a violation of the FDCPA?

Deceptive And Unfair Practices Calling you collect so that you have to pay to accept the call is an example of an unfair practice. Engaging in any practice that forces you to pay additional money other than the debt you owe is considered an FDCPA violation.

What is one tactic a scammer will use to get you to provide your personal information?

Some scammers “phish” for your personal information using cleverly designed calls or e-mails. They often pretend to be an employee of your bank or a government agency and ask you to update or confirm your account information by submitting your bank account number, password, or Social Security number.

What area codes should you not answer?

Unless you know that a call is legitimate, it's best to avoid calls from the following international area codes with a +1-country code:232: Sierra Leone.242: Bahamas.246: Barbados.284: British Virgin Islands.268: Antigua and Barbuda.345: Cayman Islands.441: Bermuda.473: Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.More items...•

Can someone find your location by calling you?

Yes, your approximate location can always be determined if your phone is turned on. One way is through the network; when your phone is turned on, it's constantly hooked to a radio tower, so that the network can find you to deliver your calls, SMS etc.

What is the most common violation of FDCPA?

Harassment of the debtor by the creditor – More than 40 percent of all reported FDCPA violations involved incessant phone calls in an attempt to harass the debtor.

What is the Mini Miranda?

Mini-Miranda rights are a set of statements that a debt collector must use when contacting an individual to collect a debt. Mini-Miranda rights have to be recited, by law, if the debt collection effort is being made over the phone or in-person and outlined in written form if a letter is sent to the debtor.

What does FDCPA mean?

Fair Debt Collection Practices ActThe Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is the main federal law that governs debt collection practices. The FDCPA prohibits debt collection companies from using abusive, unfair or deceptive practices to collect debts from you. The FDCPA covers the collection of: Mortgages.

What is the most common way that fraudsters use personal data?

Vishing means voice phishing is a popular way fraudsters steal personal information. Generally, cybercriminals contact businesses over the telephone and pretend to be legitimate organizations such as a financial institution or a payment service organization.

Can I report a scammer to the police?

Report the incident to the classified site immediately, sending them as much information as possible about the ad in question as possible. They can retrieve and store information to pass on to the police. Report the incident to your local police station so that they can open a case.

What action is required when you receive a suspicious email?

Delete it immediately to prevent yourself from accidentally opening the message in the future. Do not download any attachments accompanying the message. Attachments may contain malware such as viruses, worms or spyware. Never click links that appear in the message.

What is the phone number to file a grievance in Texas?

If talking to your lawyer does not resolve the problem, call the Texas Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) for help at: 1-800-932-1900.". Texas - How to File Grievance. Texas Grievance form pdf.

What to do if an attorney does not answer phone calls?

But when the attorney does not return phone calls and you do not know why you can't reach him on the phone, send him a letter. In the letter state that you have called him and he is not available and will not return your call. Keep a copy of the letter. State that it is very important he call you. If you get no response, send another letter saying ...

Why won't my lawyer return my phone call?

If a lawyer will not return your phone call, then that may indicate that he is neglecting the legal matter that you have entrusted to him. If so, then you may want to retain another attorney. Any new attorney may wish to see the file.

How long does it take for an attorney to pick up a file?

Make a written request, as described above about writing letters. The attorney will need a few days or more to get the file ready for you to pick up, and to make any copies which he wants to keep. When a client sends an attorney a written request to pick up the file, it is serious.

What to do if an attorney won't call back?

Ask to schedule a time to come to his office in person for a meeting, or to schedule a telephone appointment. Then call back the next day, and the next day. But also send letters.

Is a request for a file your property?

Request Your File - It Is Your Property. The file that the attorney has created and maintained on your case is actually your property. The attorney can keep a copy at his expense, but the original file and papers in it are property of the client. If a lawyer will not return your phone call, then that may indicate that he is neglecting ...

Can you file a grievance based on lack of return phone call?

Do not file a Grievance based on lack of return phone call unless the letters and other suggestions above have failed, and only if you have at least two letters that you sent requesting information, status and a phone call or meeting. You can obtain the Grievance form at the State Bar of Texas at the link below.

What should I do if my attorney will not return my phone calls?

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What should I do if my attorney will not return my phone calls?

Attorney Ben Schwartz talks good customer service and answers the question, “What should I do if my attorney will not return my phone calls?”

Unscrupulous lawyers break ethics rules when they contact injury victims

First-time car accident victims are not only dealing with physical and emotional distress, they are often navigating the legal system for the first time. Some find themselves hounded by unscrupulous attorneys who obtained their contact information illegally, commonly referred to as “ambulance chasers.”

Falling victim to the predators

Lawyers shouldn’t be soliciting clients as a general rule, so receiving an unexpected phone call from an attorney should be a warning sign for accident victims.

Violation of conduct

The American Bar Association’s (ABA) “ Model Rules for Professional Conduct “ provide strict guidance on how lawyers may solicit clients. An infraction could cost an attorney their law license. These rules, which were adopted by each individual state, regulate that:

Find your own law firm

Instead of falling prey to predatory attorneys, Keith recommends that accident victims find their own representation through referrals or research and seek someone who has extensive experience in the personal injury and car accident fields.

How many times a day should an attorney speak to you?

It is critically important that you keep informed about the status of your case. It is not reasonable (or cost-effective, for that matter), to demand that your attorney speak with you 3-4 times per day. Keep in mind that unless you are paying your attorney $10,000.00 per hour, your lawyer has to take in other clients all of whom will need to meet with your attorney, talk to him/her on the phone, correspond via email, and go to court.

What to do if you want to complain about your ex wife?

If you want to complain about your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, call your mother; I can almost guarantee you that she will take your side. 4. Do not abuse the word “emergency.”. In family law matters, “emergency” means you or your children are in imminent danger.

Why do lawyers hire assistants?

That’s why your lawyer hired that person – to help you out when the attorney is tied up in court, depositions, mediations, or meetings. Most of the time, the legal assistant can answer basic questions regarding scheduling, copies of documents, due dates, etc. The assistant is also in the best position to make a note of your call and concern, relay it to your attorney, and provide you with direct and timely feedback. Additionally, the legal assistant is almost always in the office, whereas your attorney often is not.

What does "emergency" mean in family law?

In family law matters, “emergency” means you or your children are in imminent danger. Questions regarding what to wear when you exchange visitation of your child or to complain that your spouse kept one of your child’s sneakers are not emergencies. God gave you good sense; use it.

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How many phone calls can you make after arrest in California?

After a person is arrested and booked, they are entitled to phone calls. California Penal Code Section 851.5 provides that arrestees are entitled to three phone calls immediately upon booking except where physically impossible, and no later than three hours after arrest. Arrestees are entitled to make at least three phone calls at no expense ...

What is the trick to sitting in a waiting room?

Here is one trick: A police officer denies an arrestee their constitutional right to a phone call, then entice with the opportunity to sit the arrested person in a waiting room with a television, instead of a holding cell with concrete and metal benches. The catch to get in the waiting room, which has cushioned chairs and a television, ...

What happens if police deny arrestees their right to call from jail?

If the police denies arrestees their constitutionally protected right to phone calls from jail, then there may be a civil cause of action against the police officers. Police officers are not entitled to qualified immunity for this civil rights violation.

How many phone calls can you make in a three hour arrest?

Sign a statement that says the police provided the opportunity to make three phone calls within three hours of booking. If an arrested person asks for clarification since the police did not, in fact, provide the opportunity to make three phone calls, the arrestees returns to the holding cell instead of the waiting room.

How many calls can an arrester make?

Arrestees are entitled to make at least three phone calls at no expense if they are within the local calling area and at the arrested person’s own expense (if outside the local calling area). Local calling areas do not necessarily refer to anything within the same area code as the jail.

What happens when you are detained by police?

If a person is “detained,” the police officer is holding a person for a short amount of time. If a reasonable person would not feel free to leave, or police prevent a person they are questioning from leaving, that detention turns into an arrest. Police take arrestees to a local jail precinct, where they are then booked.

Which amendment protects the right to post-booking calls?

The right to post-booking phone calls is protected by the Fourteenth Amend ment of the U.S. Constitution because California Penal Code Section 851.5 creates a liberty interest. Denying arrestees the opportunity to make a telephone call is a civil rights violation.