Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Do I have to go to court?

My co-defendant on a misdemeanor drinking case has hired a private attorney. I have a court date coming up with the co defendant and the attorney has told him he does not have to appear for the arraignment. So my question is, do I need to appear either? I have a public defender and was told that he was kind of canceled out by the private attorney. Since the private attorney is making all the motions for the case, Is it necessary for one defendant to be there when isnt?


Asked on 8/27/07, 12:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Piper

Re: Do I have to go to court?

Yes, you do have to go to court.

Unless your public defender has told you that you do not have to be there. Don't rely upon anyone telling you not to be there but your lawyer.

Your friend's attorney DOES NOT represent you. The public defender is your attorney. You must go to court unless he or she tells you that you do not have to.

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Answered on 8/27/07, 1:26 pm


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