Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

I have been arrested for shoplifting. I received my trial date yesterday on December 29th. My trial is on January 11th and the district court is only open on Monday 3rd. I need to go there to apply for a public defender. I am afraid that I won't be able to get a public defender for the only one week I have to process everything. What should I do?Would they understand that they did not give me much time before my trial?Thanks and I appreciate any clarification about it because it is my first time dealing with the Law.


Asked on 12/30/10, 2:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

Bring all of the documentation, including the letter from OPD indicating that you did try to go, and ask the court for postponement.

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Answered on 1/04/11, 2:57 pm
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

This question appeared on the LawGuru public forum on 1/4/2010 around 5:50pm, so I assume it is moot. If you were unable to get an attorney through the public defender's office, hire one. Many attorneys will put you on a payment plan or take collateral (a ring, a car, a house) in lieu of a big up front payment to represent you. If all else fails, go to the trial alone, explain your efforts to obtain an attorney to the judge, and ask for a "continuance" (a fancy way of asking for more time) so that you can obtain an attorney. Under no circumstance should you skip the trial -- your problems will be much worse.

Best of luck.*****The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******

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Answered on 1/04/11, 2:57 pm


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