Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Hello, I was convicted of felony marijuana posession with intent to distribute, i left the state before ever reporting to probation. It has now been ten years in which ive gotten married had children and got a really good job. Is there any way for me to clear this matter without return to california? It would be really nice to get a license as i have driven for 10 years without one. I have also have not been in any trouble since. I would really like to start the process in clearing this matter as far as paying my fines etc. I feel like i am living a life sentence for posession of Marijuana. Thanks


Asked on 8/04/14, 10:24 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

David M. Wallin Law Offices OF David M. Wallin

I'm sorry to tell you, but after handling these types of issues for almost 30 years, and being a Former Deputy District Attorney, the answer is NOT VERY LIKELY. Most courts require the defendant to be in court with the attorney on all Felonies...especially Felony Bench Warrants. You should call an experienced attorney to go over the process and then you can decide where you go from there. I wish you well.......David Wallin

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Answered on 8/04/14, 10:30 am
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

If it was a felony conviction, you are required to be present in court in California. If you were convicted and sentenced to time, you also have a status as a fugitive, which limits many of the legal procedures available to you.

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Answered on 8/04/14, 10:48 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

No.

To handle [clear] a warrant, you MUST turn yourself in to the issuing court, with or without an attorney. On felony charges, the defendant must be personally present at every court hearing and appearance. Turning yourself in voluntarily will result in a better outcome than being brought in chains to court after arrest on the warrant. That can happen if you come in contact with law enforcement or customs anywhere in the country. Effective plea-bargaining by your attorney, using whatever legal defenses, facts and sympathies there may be, could possibly keep you out of jail/prison, or at least dramatically reduce it, and may enable you to get your probation and programs reinstated. Unless you're competent to effectively represent yourself in court against a professional prosecutor trying to put you in jail, most people hire an attorney who can.

If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me. I�ll be happy to help fight and get the best outcome possible, using whatever defenses and sympathies there may be.

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Answered on 8/04/14, 11:03 am


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