Västmanland District Court questions criminal lawyer

- In the case of serious violent crimes, it is up to the district court to appoint a lawyer who we think is suitable for the assignment. We appointed Björn Hurtig. If he is later prevented, he must dismiss himself and the district court must appoint a new defender, says head of authority for Västmanland District Court, Lars-Gunnar Lundh and continues:

- In this case, he himself has appointed a defender who is a colleague at his law firm.

Hurtig believes that he received the court's approval to change lawyer when he had another major case that clashed with the hearing in Västmanland District Court.

- The court itself has pointed out that we requested and received permission for substitution. The client accepted it. The client has not complained, but received a full and skilful defense. I have a hard time understanding that criticism, says Björn Hurtig.

The district court also questions the lawyer's debiting. Hurtig has requested compensation of SEK 365,240 for work (136.5 hours), SEK 80,605 for wasted time, SEK 19,741 for travel expenses and expenses, and VAT in the amount of SEK 73,048.

The district court writes in the judgment that Hurtig did not participate in any interrogation by the police, nor in any arrest hearing or during the trial.

"In the present case, it can be questioned whether lawyer Hurtig at all, after the two initial visits to the prison, intended to represent the 32-year-old but instead used his personal trademark to give the others at the law firm assignments."

The district court gives Hurtig the right to compensation for the two weeks that they believe he has worked and rejects the remaining part of the compensation that the lawyer requested. Hurtig will, however, appeal the refusal.

- Part of the compensation concerns such work as my colleague did under approved substitution until I dismissed. In other respects, the Court of Appeal may try the records, says Björn Hurtig.