Legal Question in Criminal Law in Mississippi

Does it look bad to have a paid attorney and still ask for a bond reduction? My husband has been charged with 3 felonies and was given $45,000 bond. Since out of state we have to come up with 15%. I can't afford bond or an attorney. I am taking out loans but I don't know if the Judge will think that if we can pay an attorney we can pay the bail?


Asked on 9/13/12, 9:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Wayne Woodall Wayne Woodall Attorney

THE COURT WILL TAKE THE POSITION THAT IF HE CAN AFFORD A BONDING COMPANY HE CAN ALSO AFFORD COUNSEL. YOU WILL LITERALLY HAVE TO SHOW THAT HE SOLICITIED FEE QUOTES FROM AT LEAST THREE (3) LOCAL LAWYERS AND IS UNEMPLOYED AND (OR FOR OTHER REASONS) CANNOT AFFORD COUNSEL. IT IS NOT THAT "IT IS INCONVENIENT" FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO HIRE COUNSEL, BUT THAT IT IS "IMPOSSIBLE" FOR ME TO HIRE COUNSEL. A FINANCIAL STATEMENT, COMPLETED UNDER OATH (AND SUBJECT TO TRUTH VERIFICATION VIA AN AUDIT AFTERWARDS) WILL HAVE TO BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPOINTED COUNSEL.

IF YOU OWN VEHICLES OR REAL PROPERTY OR OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY THAT CAN BE SOLD AND THE PROCEEDS SET ASIDE FOR AN ATTORNEY, YOU WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO DO THAT. GOOD LUCK

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Answered on 9/13/12, 12:32 pm


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