Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

Can I be forced to go to trial without an attorney? I was appointed an attorney by the PDO. I only met him once at court....he tried to get me to plea to 6 months in jail....I am a nurse and a single parent of 4....besides that I am innocent! He has not shown up for any subsequent court dates. I call his office and leave messages & he never returns any of my calls. The judge told me my case is scheduled for trial on Monday. I asked if I could hire a new attorney and he said yes but I have to let them know I am scheduled for trial so they won't come in court and say they didn't know they had to go to trial now. I said I've never talked to the PDO to even prepare a defense. He said well that's unfortunate. I am afraid and do not know what to do. I tried hiring an attorney....he wanted 2000 today. There's no way...I tried to offer him 1000 and he said he couldn't take it because my case is in a city that's 1 hour away. Can I expect to be rushed to start my trial Monday without an attorney?


Asked on 9/10/10, 1:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Martha Amanda Mandi Lucas Mandie Seale Lucas

You should bring all documentation of attempts to contact, missed appointments, etc. To the judge and request a continuance, The public defender will probably be at court for trial. If this is a misdemeanor you should not be facing jail time. A 6 month sentence is usually suspended and probation given. Bring evidence of your attempts to hire an attorney and that you couldn't afford to hire them. Anything that will help you to establish your innocence should be with you at court.

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Answered on 9/15/10, 3:24 pm


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