Eighteen-Year-Old Charged with Public Intoxication

[CourtClerk]

And how do I go about getting a lawyer. I am so confused. Do I just find one on Google? My uncle said it would only be $50-$70 for these cases, or did I hear that wrong? And do I need a lawyer before the appearance on Wednesday.

I can't think of any attorney who would take a criminal case for $50-$70. Maybe $250-$270/HOUR, but not $50.

You may want to stop drinking...

[Myelbow4]

I can't think of any attorney who would take a criminal case for $50-$70. Maybe $250-$270/HOUR, but not $50.

You may want to stop drinking...

Yeah I definitely heard that wrong then. I knew it sounded too cheap.

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Ok so I have decided I do not want to spend $1000 on a lawyer. How do I get a public defender? Will I be eligible as a college student with $0 income? My parents won't pay for a lawyer and I haven't told them I was arrested.

Also, tomorrow I have to make an appearance, what does that mean and what should I expect to do there?

If I can't get a lawyer, will I be able to defend myself, would it be a miracle if I got the charges dropped?

[jk]

When can I expect for these letters to arrive at the address? Do courts usually send stuff in the mail?

And are you sure it isn't forwarded, because through USPS.com I would do the change of address option which means I don't live at my old address, so it wouldn't make sense to send an official document to my old address if I didn't live there(which I technically don't because I'm in college).

Most official mail is marked:

do not forward

that means it would be returned which can cause you a lot of problems



part of the legal process is service at your proper and official address. Until you change that with the courts, your current address will be accepted as your official address. They don't want the letters going anywhere else.

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Yeah I definitely heard that wrong then. I knew it sounded too cheap.

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Ok so I have decided I do not want to spend $1000 on a lawyer. How do I get a public defender? Will I be eligible as a college student with $0 income? My parents won't pay for a lawyer and I haven't told them I was arrested.

Also, tomorrow I have to make an appearance, what does that mean and what should I expect to do there?

If I can't get a lawyer, will I be able to defend myself, would it be a miracle if I got the charges dropped?

well, since you are a resident of your parents home, their income maybe included in determining your eligibility for a PD.

Of course you can defend yourself. It's not wise but you can if you want to.

[CourtClerk]

Your parents' income is probably going to be considered, especially considering that you're going to claim you have ZERO income and you probably don't look like you've missed a meal, have an address, clothing and money to drink.

Someone is supporting you

[Myelbow4]

Are they allowed to change the charge from a PI to a MIC at the appearance and should I expect them to ask me anything at the appearance? Like how much did I have to drink and what should I say if they do?

[jk]

they can file the charges anyway they deem fit. I presume your first hearing will be an arraignment where the charges being levied will be read to you and you will be asked to enter a plea to them. Unless you plan on pleading guilty, that is all that should be done at that hearing. This would also be the time you ask to apply for a PD.

[Myelbow4]

they can file the charges anyway they deem fit. I presume your first hearing will be an arraignment where the charges being levied will be read to you and you will be asked to enter a plea to them. Unless you plan on pleading guilty, that is all that should be done at that hearing. This would also be the time you ask to apply for a PD.

The nicest clothes I have right now are jeans and a vneck, is it okay to wear that to the arraignment.

[jk]

If that's the best ya got, that's what you have. Make sure they and you are clean, clean shaven, combed hair and show the utmost respect for the court. If the judge says anything about your clothes, tell them that is the best clothes you have.

[Myelbow4]

If that's the best ya got, that's what you have. Make sure they and you are clean, clean shaven, combed hair and show the utmost respect for the court. If the judge says anything about your clothes, tell them that is the best clothes you have.

Would it be necessary to go buy some slacks and a dress shirt in the morning? How will most people be dressed?

[PandorasBox]

I would recommend it. Remember, your clothes make an impression about you.

If you have any piercings, remove them. Cover any visible tattoos. Do not go into court smelling of alcohol or cigarette smoke. No gum or food. No hats.