[emmy504ln]

So here's the deal, a few days ago I got into an arguement with my boyfriend (whom I am carrying his child-5 months pregnant). The fight was just like any other arguement we get into. We were in the car and I told him to get out. He refused to get out so I backhanded him in his face. I didnt mean to do it so hard and really didnt mean to do it at all. It was impulse but I know I was wrong. So he then threw my purse out of the car on the street and got out. I followed him to the nearest lighted building and applogized and told him to get back in. (It was 3 am and he had no money and didn't know where he was because he had been drinking). He said no and that he had called the police. I didn't believe him and remained there trying to convince him to get back in the car so I could take him somewhere more safe. The police arrived and questioned us both. They asked him what he wanted them to do and he said he didnt want me taken away just put a little "scare" into me. The officer said ok. She then came over to me and cuffed me and took me away. I was in jail for 28 hours until my bond went through that my boyfriend paid and I was released. I have a No contact order and could face more time if I were to have contact with him. He has already stated that he is not going to show up to my court date because he doesnt want anything to happen to me. My court date is in a few days. I know nothing about the legal process. If I show up will the charges be dropped and what will happen with the no contact order. I am carry his child so this is freaking me out. What is going to happen at this court hearing and what will they ask me. Is there any chance I could be locked back up? And I cannot afford a lawyer. Should I get one and how do I do that? Please help this stress is not good for me or the baby.

You are facing domestic battery charges and your BF not showing up to court may not hurt the case against you. You need to consult with a criminal defense Attorney before your ocurt date and plan a defense or have your Attorney talk to DA about plea bargain. In meantime you and your BF should seek therapy as it seens your relationship is voltile and not a good enviroment to raise a child.

[emmy504ln]

Ok. well since i know nothing about the legal system I don't even know how to get a public defender. Does this cost money? Some people I have talked to said I probably dont even need a lawyer of any kind because since my boyfriend is not going to show up to court then they will most likely close the case since they have so many other criminals to worry about. They said I would just have a pretrial, trial and maybe one other court date after that and then the case would be dismissed. It is a class A misdemeanor so I am not sure if that is even worth hiring a lawyer to clear my record since it would not stop me from getting a job. I plan on being a nurse someday. Please let me know what I should do. I have 3 days until court. I just want to make sure I do everything right so that I dont have to mess with this anymore once it is over with.

You get a public defender by requesting one and proving you cannot afford one. You "may" be ordered to pay a nominal fee but thats not for sure. Going to court to face criminal charges without legal counsel is about as smart as covering yourself with gasoline and playing with matches!