Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

How long can the court wait to appoint a lawyer in a criminal case? My nephew was charged with indecency with a child. He now has a court date in 2 wks. with no lawyer in site. We live in a small community with only a few lawyers available. The family managed to get him out on bail but cannot afford a lawyer. He has applied to the court but was told maybe he would get one 15-30 minutes before arrainment. How is his lawyer suppose to defend him if he doesnt have his side of the story


Asked on 11/18/11, 1:09 pm

2 Answer from Attorneys
M. Elizabeth Foley The Law Office of M. Elizabeth Foley

That's pretty typical. Usually, bonded defendants actually have to wait for the first court date to even ask for an attorney to be appointed. The case will then get reset so the attorney can have time to look into the case, consult with the client, talk to the prosecutor, and figure out whether it makes sense to accept a plea bargain or go to trial. Don't worry--an arraignment is the beginning, not the end, and there will be plenty of time to get everything taken care of.

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Answered on 11/18/11, 1:48 pm


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