Q: Attorney Retention After Arraignment
I have been arrested and then released on my own recognizance. At the time of the arraignment I have hired a defense attorney which I can no longer afford. I need to go back to court in a month and was wondering how do I go about getting a public defender? Do I wait for the court date and ask the judge? Can I ask for a continuance since I will not have an attorney by that time?
Thanks for any help. This is in New York State.
A: You will have to go on that date and ask the court for a continuance as you no longer have an attorney. At that point ask if you qualify for a free attorney.
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