Provo, UT asked in Criminal Law for Utah

Q: Do I u need an atty to fight charges including drugs when there has been a past? Can it be fought with public defender?

Charges include Charge1- 58-37-8(1)(A)(III), Charge2-58-37-(2)(D), Charge 3- 76-10-503(3)(A), Charge4- 58-37A-5(1), Charge 5- 76-8-305. My friend does have a past but has completed drug treatment programs and has always followed the ruled of his probation. The case sounds bad but he had only relapse for a few weeks. I would like to see him go back into a treatment program and counseling to learn coping skills instead of serving time. What do you think the likely hood of getting that would be?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Russell Pietryga
Russell Pietryga
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Licensed in Utah

A: It is wise to have an attorney anytime you are charged with a crime. If your friend cannot afford an attorney the court will appoint an attorney to represent him. A public defender is an attorney and they can represent(i.e., fight for)your friend.

The sooner your friend requests a public defender or hires an attorney the better. There are a lot of things an attorney can do for your friend. The sooner they get started the better.

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