Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

One thing after another... 2 misdemenors to be exact

No previous criminal charges.Arrested for possesion of meth and paraphenalia.Went to jail then was bailed out in order to keep job.Worked one night and then was arrested the next day for a driving under a controlled substance,meth.Lost my job due to that arrest.Ive been denied the assistance of the public defender cause I own property.Judge has given me more time to find a lawyer each time Ive appeared.A pending traffic violation caused DMV to suspend my license.Missed last court date due to a ride flaking on me.Last minute scared to death I took my chances and drove to court only to find out that the court was over until afternoon scheduling. On way back home was pulled over and cited for driving on suspended license disabling me from making it to afternoon court.Now I have a warrent out for my arrest and my bail has for sure been revoked.I have been making it to court ordered NA as promised.What are my options?How do I get my bail reinstated?How can I get a lawyer to defend me when I have no money?What should I do to defend myself if needed?There is no way I can plead not guilty to charges against me,what can I do to stay out of jail?


Asked on 12/17/04, 5:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: One thing after another... 2 misdemenors to be exact

There is no penalty to pleading not guilty, regardless of how guilty you may be. If you plead guilty, you have no bargaining power, and have placed yourself at the mercy of the court. Public transit or a taxi is reliable and cheaper than a ticket for driving with a suspended license.

Contact several attorneys and request a letter that you cannot afford to retain him or her. Take these letters to court and explain that you have contacted these attorneys that you cannot retain an attorney. In some counties the public defender's office maintains a list of attorneys that are willing to take cases for a reduced fee and some time financing arrangements.

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Answered on 12/17/04, 10:31 pm


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