Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Step-daughter stole her mother's car. Charges were filed, and a boyfriend got her out on an early release. Mother could not stop the due process. Step-daughter fired her court-appointed attorney when at sentencing, she did not think 2 yr probation, drug counseling etc., were a 'fair deal', considering it was her first offense. Now, warrant has been issued because step-daughter has not complied with any probation followup. She lives with her mother, who takes care of her and her 4 yr old child.

What are her options at this point?... She has no money to retain a lawyer, and understands she has waived her rights to a court-appointed one.


Asked on 7/22/09, 7:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Prayer is probably her best option at this point.

Is she in jail now? Or is she a fugitive? She will have to deal with the case eventually, I tend to think that the younger a person is, the more likely they can salvage the rest of their life.

Depending upon the rest of the circumstances, her attitude, and the county involved, once she is jailed, she can still get a court-appointed lawyer. She has not made choices in her best interest to date, and should not represent herself.

Ideally, someone else will retain a lawyer for her. Often a stint in voluntary rehab will go a long way to lessening the impact with the court.

Good luck.

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Answered on 7/22/09, 9:15 pm


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