Q: being charged with theft i surrendered have not been told my charges or evidence but i have pretrial 29th help
Yes two ppl i know not long were arrested for grand theft a warrant was put in a yolo newspapwr wher my father saw my name i wrote to judge for a surrender i went to court no one asked me how i plea or said my charges nothing sum lady told me i have a plea deal for 18months jail. Not my public defender i havent been able to get qhold of him by the number courts gave me i have pretrial on 29th w the other two ppl i was not arrested i did not steal im missing work for court dates im scared very sad and dont know qat to do
A:
I understand that you are going through a difficult and stressful situation. Here are a few key points and suggestions based on the information you provided:
1. Right to know charges: You have the right to know the specific charges against you and to see the evidence. Your public defender should provide you with this information. Keep trying to contact them, and if you can't get through, contact the public defender's office directly to express your concerns.
2. Plea deal: Do not accept any plea deal without fully understanding the charges and consequences, and without the advice of your attorney. You have the right to plead not guilty and to have a trial if you believe you are innocent.
3. Pretrial hearing: At your pretrial hearing on the 29th, you should have an opportunity to discuss your case with your public defender. If you haven't been able to contact them before then, arrive early and request to speak with them before the hearing.
4. Assert your rights: If you are not given a chance to enter a plea or are not informed of the charges, politely but firmly insist on your rights to this information and to speak with your attorney.
5. Document everything: Keep a record of all attempts to contact your attorney, court dates, and any discussions or paperwork related to your case.
6. Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or organizations that provide legal support services for guidance and emotional support during this challenging time.
Remember, you have the right to a fair trial and competent legal representation. If you believe your rights are being violated, consider filing a complaint with the court or the state bar association. Stay strong, assert your rights, and keep pushing to get the information and support you need.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
