Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Have no representation

My daughter has serious criminal drug charges in the state of MD. She has not applied for a public defender. Court date July 24th. What will happen to her without any legal representation? Also, she is a drug addict..can she be legally sentenced to a recovery program if she has other legal matters pending. What will the judge do if she shows up without a lawyer or public defender????


Asked on 7/13/07, 11:48 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Have no representation

Her chances of going to jail are 100% greater in a serious drug case should she go to court without an attorney. An expirenced criminal lawyer, like myself can assist her in combining her case, work with her in getting into a program, and talk to the prosecutor in working out a favorable resolution.

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Answered on 7/15/07, 9:50 am
Brian Zeiger Levin & Zeiger LLP

Re: Have no representation

Tell her to go the pds office immediately. If she shows up with no one, the judge could hold her in contempt and lock her up until a lawyer is appointed. While most judges would not do that, its possible. Also, you posted this in the PA law section, repost your question in MD and maybe an MD lawyer will answer your question.

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Answered on 7/13/07, 3:06 pm
Bill Wood Law Office of William C. Wood, LLC

Re: Have no representation

She needs an attorney. It may be too late to get a PD, but she can still contact the office and try. If she has a serious charge as well as other pending matters (presumably criminal), she is no position to be representing herself. The judge may grant her a postponement to get an attorney if there have been no other postponements on her behalf.

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Answered on 7/13/07, 3:29 pm


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