Q: I have court this month. I was arrested but bonded out same day. First court appearance, what can I expect?
Was arrested for possession and criminal conversiom (two things under $20). Bonded out with $250. I'm a single mother of two and honestly have no family around d to help me.
A: Your 1st court appearance is your Initial Hearing where the judge will advise you of your Constitutional Rights, also the charges and the penalties. He will then ask you if you plea guilty or not guilty. If you plea guilty the judge will sentence you without you seeing any discovery and without having talked to an attorney. You should plea not guilty and at least consult with an attorney, best if you can do so before your Initial Hearing, to determine what your options are in the case. The State may be willing to negotiate with you, but unless they are offering a pretrial diversion that would keep a conviction off your record do not accept any offer where you plea guilty.
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