What shouldI do ifI have to appear in court on a criminal matter, but don’t have an attorney?

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What shouldI do ifI have to appear in court on a criminal matter, but don’t have an attorney?

I was charged with burglary of habitation. The defendant and I agreed that they would drop the charges if I paid them a desired amount, which I have done. However the case has not been dropped. OI am assuming the case was dropped missed a psi evaluation. now im heading into court tomorrow, not knowing really whats going on in my case and more than likely with out an attorney. I don’t know if it would be better to miss the court date and then hire another attorney to represent me before I go to court. I fear that if I go to court tomorrow I will go to jail and don’t have outside help to get out and wont be able to do anything locked up.

Asked on March 24, 2011 under Criminal Law, Texas

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

First, do not miss the court date under any circumstances.  They will issue a warrant for your arrest and that is really not a good thing here.  Second, you say hire "another" attorney.  Did you already have one who negotiated the deal?  You are entitled to be represented by counsel in a criminal matter.  Go to the court date.  See if the Court (and by that I mean the Judge) will appoint an attorney to represent you.  If not then ask for an adjournment to obtain an attorney.  Really, you should look around NOW for an attorney to hire for this matter and go to court with one considering all of this.  You have paid back the defendant and that needs to be considered here.  But it does not stop the prosecutors from continuing with the case if they so choose.


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