A Common Experience
Many incarcerated individuals report that once sentencing ends, communication with their defense attorney stops entirely.
Why This Happens
Reasons include:
-
Fee structures ending at sentencing
-
Lack of post-conviction obligations
-
Burnout and workload pressure
-
No formal standards for follow-up
The Impact on Clients
This silence creates:
-
Confusion about rights
-
Missed appeal deadlines
-
Emotional distress
-
Distrust in legal representation
Ethical vs. Legal Duty
Even when not legally required, ethical practice suggests:
-
Clear case closure
-
Written post-sentencing guidance
-
Referral to next-stage resources
A Simple Fix
Attorneys could provide:
-
A one-page post-case summary
-
Timeline of remaining options
-
Contact information for future help
Conclusion
Closure is part of representation. Silence shouldn’t be the final chapter in a client’s legal journey.