Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
how long to get a lawyer
After your first court apperance when you say you'll hire your own attorney. How long do you have to find one if your not sat. with any of the ones you have seen so far. What happens if you don't have one by your next court apperance. Will they give you more time.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: how long to get a lawyer
It depends on the judge and how much time you've had so far. If you can show the judge that you have been making serious efforts to retain an attorney most judges are pretty reasonable. If the judge doesn't want to give you more time she/he may refer you to the public defender to get your case going. If you don't qualify for the public defender and the judge thinks you're stalling, I have seen judges enter a plea of not guilty for the client and set dates for further proceedings.
For the most part, as long as you let the judge know you have made an effort and aren't stalling they seem to be pretty reasonable (not all of them, but most).
Feel free to call if you have additional questions.
Elena Condes
Tel: 510-525-4243
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