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Questions Answered by William T. Bly
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: At my second arraignment, can I ask for a court appointed lawyer if I was not offered one at the first arraignment?

I wasn't offered a lawyer because I don't face any jail time, but I would like to speak with one to discuss details about my case that may get it dropped.

William T. Bly
William T. Bly
answered on Jan 28, 2021

I'm not sure why you're having a second arraignment as you should only be arraigned once. The purpose of an arraignment is to be apprised of the nature of the charges by the court, at which time you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you're not facing a risk of jail (the DA... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Maine on
Q: I'm looking for a lawyer to appear in court for me tomorrow at 830 in machias maine for an oui. Any suggestions?
William T. Bly
William T. Bly
answered on Feb 3, 2020

Asking someone to appear for you and looking for suggestions sounds like you're shooting in the dark. And this is a last minute "ask". My suggestion is that you make serious inquiries about retaining the best attorney that you can, and if that person can appear for you, that's... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maine on
Q: How long does a felony 1st appearance in Maine take? Do you have to wait until everyone's done before leaving?

Hi,

I previously asked about how long a felony first appearance in Maine takes, and if there's a bathroom break. I received an answer that first appearances, unlike arraingment, don't take very long, and a bathroom break is therefore unnecessary.

First of all: thanks for... View More

William T. Bly
William T. Bly
answered on Jan 22, 2020

That is correct. You might be waiting for a long time for the judge to call your name. FYI, if you're seeking representation for a criminal charge, and it sounds like it's a felony, please consider calling my office to setup a consultation. Thanks and good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law and Federal Crimes for Maine on
Q: How long does 1st appearance in Maine take? Can you go to bathroom in the middle? At what point are you considered done?
William T. Bly
William T. Bly
answered on Jan 17, 2020

There is a difference between an initial appearance and an arraignment. An initial appearance is reserved for felony charges. At that hearing, the judge will discuss the charges with you, ensure you understand the maximum penalties allowed by law (if convicted), set bail (if not already set) and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Tennessee on
Q: can police search my computer without a warrant?

they came to my home to investigate the overdose of two neighbors. they asked if i would talk with them about it. they further asked if they could search for any more of the drug, "in the interest of public safety". i hesitated but said they could look for any more of the drug. one went... View More

William T. Bly
William T. Bly
answered on Nov 20, 2017

Your question is a bit more complex and requires a longer explanation. The police were not allowed to exceed the scope of the search, for which you gave them permission. The scope of the search was to seek physical evidence of drugs. Once you gave them permission, they were allowed to search... View More

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