Why did the Judge automatically put in a not guilty plea on my behalf?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Why did the Judge automatically put in a not guilty plea on my behalf?

I had an arraignment hearing this morning and the judge automatically put in a not guilty plea. When Iasked about it they told me that it was in my best interests. I am guilty so I was going to plead guilty but never had a chance. My charge is possession of marijuana. Please make some sense out of this for me. Ihave a pre-trail conference next month and I have no case to fight this. What can Iexpect at this pre-trial? Are we going to discuss a plea bargain? I have no attorney and can’t afford one.

Asked on July 13, 2010 under Criminal Law, Michigan

Answers:

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

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Ok so since you did not have an attorney at your arraignment the Judge made sure that he preserved your rights until such time that you could consult with one.  you have a constitutional right to have an attorney in a criminal action so if you can not afford one then the court should appoint one on your behalf.  Or go and see if you qualify for Legal Aid in your area.  even if you think that you have "no case" you have rights of which you need to be advised.  An attorney can let you know what your options are in the form of a sentence or plea agreement he or she can make, how each agreement will effect your criminal record (or maybe no criminal record if you are lucky) and how to have the arrest expunged or the matter sealed if you qualify.  Go get help.  It is available and the Judge did you a solid.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption