How can court appointed attorney best represent my minor son in a disorderly conduct charge.

Happened on a school bus in Midlothian, Virginia. Bus Driver almost hit son in the head with side mirror on bus when she pretended to be stopping (lights on crossing bar going out) then she suddenly closed the door to bus and took off again. When son finally boarded bus, he was angry and proceded to curse at the driver and expressed his disbelief on the whole situation. Now hes charged wih disrderly conduct. Our court appointed attorney has left much to be desired. didnt even contact witnesses until 2 days before court. He was of no help day of court except to get continued cuz commonwealth attorney hadnt turned over video tape. didnt even consult us on date, still havent gotten copy of disc when was just in commonwealths hands. No call from our attorney. Next court date 10/23/12. When waiting for court to start 10/16, he spent entire time talking to police officers for prosecution, then he talked to another of his clients. We had to enter the court room without him. I am not sure if he is really doing all he can, and makes me very uncomfortable. He said Judge might do detention cuz she is used to be teacher and sensitive to school issues. I am very leary of him representing my son to the best of his ability.

I don't read anything in what you describe that that isn't typical behavior for lawyers in courtrooms all over the country every day; even the ones that are being paid by the client, and not by the system. I'm not saying that's the way it should be but your son isn't being singled out, that's just how the justice system works.

Courts decide cases on evidence and the fact that your son was angry is not a defense. If they have a video tape of your son cursing the bus driver, Johnny Cochran probably wouldn't help much.

Don't get so wrapped up in the idea that your son is being mistreated by the system that he misses the point. The way to deal with bus drivers that do dangerous things is to report them to their supervisor. Trying to drive a busload of children with the distraction of someone swearing at you only makes the situation more dangerous.

The court isn't going to treat your son harshly or unfairly. Allow him the benefit of making this a learning experience.