Is there anyway that federal lawyers will except payments for services?

If when you say pro bono you are referring to the attorney that was appointted to you by the court because you cannot afford an attorney then there isn't much that you can do about it. You only get to choose a lawyer if you pay for it. Most federal defenders are extremely qualified. I suggest you arrange to speak with your attorney and work out whatever differences you think you might have.

Possibly yes, but probably not. I do not know of anyone that would do so, because there is too much work required for the risk involved. When a lawyer enters his or her appearance, the court requires him or her to finish the case regardless of whether he or she has been paid or will ever be paid. No lawyer would risk getting stuck in a federal trial without having been paid all of the retainer. Perhaps you should address with your current lawyer why you are not satisfied. You may also apply for an appointed lawyer, if you are still not satisfied.

Since the Criminal Justice Act provides funds for federal courts to appoint attorneys to represent defedants whoi can't afford to hire attorneys, few attoirneys take federal criminal cases pro bono. Those who do usually do so in high profile cases or cases with causes. However, if you are truly unhappy, you can write the judge and ask to have a new attorney appointed. You should speak with the attorney first to see if you can resolve the problem.

It depends on what you mean by "pro-bono". Usually "pro-bono" means they are working for free. I think what you might actually have is an attorney that was appointed by the Court to defend you. These attorneys are not pro-bono. They are actually paid very well for their services by the Court. If you actually have a pro-bono attorney, you can ask the Court to appoint you a federally qulified attorney under the " CJA" (Criminal Justice Act). If you already have a CJA attorney you should talk to that atorney and attempt to work out any problems. If the problems can't be worked out you should ask the Judge to appoint a new attorney. It's rare that the Judge would appoint a new attorney, but sometimes it happens. Finally, if the Judge will not give you a new attorney, you can attempt to find another attorney and make payments. However, be warned, many attorneys that would accept small payments on a federal case are not going to be very well qualified. Federal cases are expensive and your best bet is probably to stay with your appointed attorney and work out your disagreements. Good Luck Thomas C. Wooldridge