Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

Re: Domestic Abuse

On your first Court date, you must be sure to be in the Courtroom on time. Usually there are a number of cases scheduled at the same time to be called on a docket. In some Courts the judge takes all of the attorneys first and makes the defendants without attorneys wait. When your case is called you should stand up and make sure that the judge knows that you are present. If the judge calls you up to the bench, be completely respectful to the Judge. He will either ask you how you plead (NOT GUILTY) or enter a not guilty plea for you. You should request additional time within which to hire an attorney and then do so. In most Courts the judge will continue the case and reschedule it thirty days or so later. If you can not afford an attorney, then ask the judge if you may apply for the public defender. someone from the court or the public defender's office will tell you how to do that. If you do not know an attorney, you may contact me for a consultation after your initial court date.