Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Credit Card Abuse

My sister was arrested for credit card abuse. She had no idea there was a warrant for her arrest nor what the charges are about. She went to set preliminary hearing and get info and had to be processed for 8 hrs and was unable to set up court date or get info on charges. She is a student and waitress and has no money, had to borrow bail money. She has been told by sheriff that if she asks for public defender that judge may request proving low income status or put her back in jail until trial. Is that true? Also, should she try to get attorney before prelim hearing? She has absolutely no idea why the charges were filed or by whom at this point. Legal aid only does civil cases, is there some other alternative or should she take risk and ask for public defender?


Asked on 1/24/04, 5:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Armstrong The Law Office of John W. Armstrong

Re: Credit Card Abuse

She should attempt to hire an attorney before the preliminary hearing. She might call the State Bar of Texas in Austin,and see if they have anyone who will represent her Pro-bono. Otherwise, she will need to appear in Court at the first setting and asked the Court for a Court Appointed Attorney. The will have her complete an Affidavit of Indengency to see if she qualifies for one, before appointing her an attorney. Good luck.

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Answered on 1/25/04, 12:22 am


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