Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

I was arrested recently for 1. (misdeamenor) possession of drug parapheanelia-hyperdermic syringe 2. (misdeamenor) under the influence of a illegal substance. 3 (felony) Possession of illegal substance. This is my first drug charge. I was in a hotel room with some girlfriends. Helping out some girls that were not in a good situation. Like myself. 2 of the girls were not present. It was me and another girl in the room at the time. it was midnight. The police knocked on the door. I answered...They asked me if they could search the room, I asked them why...and the response from them was it was a "routine check"! They bullied there way in. I was on informal probation anyway. I kept telling them that I was not comfortable with them searching anything in the room because most of the things in the room were not mine. But, the room was in my name. I was arrested for the mentioned. the other girl was not arrested at all. I was bailed out and am awaiting my court date. (arrainment) Previously to this I was arrested in 2008 for 1. (misdeamenor) commercial burglary. 2. (misdeamenor) petty theft. 3. (misdeameanor) possession of burglary tools. I was sentenced to 30 days in jail but got alternative sentencing at cal-trans. I did not complete the program and went back to court. They then gave me 15 days in jail. and to qualify for CWP. again, I did not complete the program by date given. I was never issued a warrant for my arrest for non-complience. I was just hoping it would disappear. I looked online and now have a probation violation regarding the previous case. I was on informal probation as mentioned earlier. I don't know what will happen to me at court tomorrow. What are my options? Should I get an attorney????

Asked on 7/15/10, 7:02 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

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You are seeking an attorney with 1 day's notice??!? Good luck with that

Answered on 7/16/10, 1:13 am

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Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

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Should you get an attorney?? Well, not if you can competently and effectively represent yourself, going up against a professional prosecutor intending to put you in jail. If you can handle the hearings, discovery, motions, and trial yourself, then no. If not, then what do you think you should do?? The best advice anyone could give you now at the last minute is to request the judge grant you a continuance to give you time to get counsel. If serious about hiring counsel, feel free to contact me, preferably before the next court hearing.

Answered on 7/16/10, 1:01 pm

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