Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia
Is it normal for an attorney to discourage the client from attending their arraignment. I was arrested on a misdemeanor possession charge while driving out of state in Georgia. I posted bond and was released. I hired an attorney in the local county via telephone and paid an up front retainer fee. I received my arraignment date in the mail but my attorney says I do not have to be present. He said he will enter a not guilty plea, waive my right to a trial, and then negotiate a lesser plea. I'm concerned it will look bad to the court if I don't appear, also I'm afraid my bond will be revoked if I don't appear. Should I be concerned about not attending the arraignment?
2 Answers from Attorneys
If you do not trust the opinion of the lawyer you hired, who knows all the facts of your case, hire another one. You certainly (and obviously) should not be getting a second opinion on an anonymous interest message board.
I agree with the post above. You should be able to trust your attorney. However, to answer your original question, yes it is routine to not appear at arraignment.
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