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What to Expect in Court After Missing First Court Date

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  • 10-25-2011, 07:28 AM
    elliewellie
    What to Expect in Court After Missing First Court Date
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Massachusetts

    I posted on here in August when I was caught shoplifting from Macy's for items totaling 180 dollars on August 13th. Went in the back with LP, the whole spiel and all of my information was taken. I told them that I wouldn't be at the address I was giving them for very long (I was moving into another apartment in about a week and a half) to which I was told that the letter would get there in time (court summons, civil demand). They never bothered to take down the next address I'd be moving to. I received no letter while I was at the address I gave them and had been calling the courthouse every two weeks since then to see if a summons had been sent. Lo and behold, I called the courthouse yesterday and found out I had a court date on September 14th- I truthfully never received any court summons- I have witnesses to this. I also don't understand why it wouldn't have been forwarded to my new address or returned to the courthouse. I asked why this wasn't told to me all of the times I'd called with the only response being that perhaps it hadn't been public record.

    Now I have a court date this Thursday and am so scared about what is going to happen. I know there's probably a bench warrant out for my arrest and that there's a possibility I could get arrested. Any ideas about what to expect and what things I should bring along with me to help my case? I've thought about bringing a pay stub with my current address on it along with my lease stating that I've been at the new address since the 1st of September. Would written statements from witnesses be beneficial or detrimental at this point? It's just horrible- I was trying to step up for my crimes and then this happens.

    Thanks for any advice.
  • 10-25-2011, 10:35 AM
    indybail
    Re: What to Expect in Court After Missing First Court Date
    Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. What you are proposing certainly won't hurt.
  • 10-25-2011, 11:06 AM
    bam!
    Re: What to Expect in Court After Missing First Court Date
    Written statements won't mean anything. Just go in and tell them what you told us here. If the case gets postponed, expect a bail to be set, or expect to be held until the next court date.

    I am guessing you do not have an attorney?
  • 10-25-2011, 06:14 PM
    elliewellie
    Re: What to Expect in Court After Missing First Court Date
    No, no attorney cannot afford one. College student working almost full time and paying my own bills. This whole ordeal has made me see the importance of working for what I have in life. Is a public defender still an option although I missed the first court dat?
  • 10-25-2011, 08:31 PM
    bam!
    Re: What to Expect in Court After Missing First Court Date
    You can request one. You have a right to representation.
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