Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Court date 6/13 just had it changed to Mental Health court which I do not know anything about. I have been in Riverside County Mental Health Hospital 4 times in the last 2 months. Just diagnosed with bi-polar, I believe I was self medicating for last 6 yrs. Have been using drugs and getting into trouble with court last 6 yrs. Trying to get my life back on track. On meds for bi-polar now for last month and have been inpatient rehabs (like 9 or 10 times). Need to know can I meet with Public Defender and can he help me? I would like to plead not guilty. I owe a lot of court fines already. I just want to get this taken care of and hopefully get my charges wiped off my record eventually so I can get a decent job and go back to school.


Asked on 7/04/11, 5:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kimberly Burke Law Office of Kimberly R. Burke

If you can not afford to hire a private attorney, the judge will appoint a Public Defender to represent you. The public defender will discuss your case with you and should present your options. You might have to wait a while, but you will have the opportunity to speak with an attorney. After you enter a not guilty plea, you will have another court date scheduled. It is usually at the second court date that a public defender will be able to talk about the specifics of your case.

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Answered on 7/16/11, 1:42 pm


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