First off im an International student currently enrolled in college, i have 4 years left on my F1 visa. Ok i got arrested for a felony. Unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling. Which is fineable and has got up to six years jail time. I havent been to a hearing or even an arraignment. I posted bail within hours of being booked. I havent yet contacted a lawyer as i want to discuss this with my University counselors and get some online advice as well. Here is the situation.

I was walking back to my apartment complex from a club at approximately 3am. My apartment complex is perfectly symmetrical in factor 4. So its very easy to think you are at one end when you are really at the other. So i walked into an apartment which i thought was mine and fell asleep on the couch. As i always do when i get home after a hard night. 2 hours later there is a knock on the door. Its the police, i politely open the door for them. Realizing im in the wrong apartment, i accept to go with them. They arrest me and book me. After making bond it was saturday and all law offices are closed so i could even call a lawyer. I havent yet contacted a lawyer. This is my first offense, ever.

What i wanted to know is could i get the felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor of trespass, especially considering i had simply been mistaken in my location. At what point could i appeal to have the charge reduced. I support myself so i cant really pay for a lawyer, also considering my Bail Bond was 5000 dollars and i had to use a bondsman. As i said i havent been to any hearings or anything, upon making bail i wasnt given a docket number or court date. Im in a real bind as im broke and havent had a chance to explain my situation to anyone except my parents and this website. Im really scared and dont know what to do. Please any help would be greatly appreciated.

Nali.