More details to this question:
I got a DUI on Sunday in Ventura. I am supposed to move to PA in the next few weeks and cannot afford an attorney and haven't had my first court appearance yet. What do I do?
5 ANSWERS
Criminal Law Attorney serving Fremont, CA
at
Steven J. Alpers, A Professional Corporation
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Contact the public defender maybe you can move up the court date.
Answered on Jun 27th, 2013 at 8:58 PM
Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
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Nelson & Lawless
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No, but you have to appear in court or have a warrant issued. Go to court and request early hearing, settle the case, and then move.
Answered on Sep 24th, 2012 at 11:54 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Santa Rosa, CA
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Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C.
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In California, if you are NOT able to hire an attorney before your first court date then you must appear in order to have an attorney appointed for you (either Public Defender or Appointed attorney). The only way you would be excused from appearing in Court for the first appearance is if you were to hire a private attorney who could appear on your behalf pursuant to Penal Code 977.
Answered on Sep 24th, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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If this is your first DUI, you need to either hire a local attorney to represent you at the hearing or delay your move to PA until this is resolved. If you do not appear at your hearing, a bench warrant will probably be issued by the judge.
Answered on Sep 24th, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Speeding & Traffic Ticket Attorney serving Sherman Oaks, CA
Partner at
Law Offices of Phil Hache
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If you can't afford a privately retained attorney then you need to be at each court date and use the public defender (if you qualify).
Answered on Sep 24th, 2012 at 11:52 AM