Sacramento, CA asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for California

Q: I was recently in a car accident - ruled to be my fault. Cops arrived at scene, looked me up in system and told me that

I had a warrant for my arrest. Warrant was due to some unpaid fees from a DUI from 8 years ago (thought everything was paid off, but no). I paid the fee, received confirmation # and was told it's now taken care of. Later, I received ticket in mail for running a stop sign. It was issued based off of other person's statement from car accident. It's false. I made a court date appt to fight it. Day I was supposed to go to court, 2 cops show up at my house. 1 was from the accident. They arrested me. I told them I took care of warrant and I need to be in court. They said they'll notify court I won't make it. Never did. I got fine for missing court. My husband had to bail me out, took out $25,000 loan. We can't afford any of this. My cop friend said she's never, in her career, seen cops come arrest someone for a misdemeanor warrant. Says something is fishy. Do I need defense lawyer or do I sue for something? I'm in great deal of emotional and financial stress. How do I get pro bono lawyer?

2 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you are indigent, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you. Otherwise, you need to pay an attorney to clean this up.

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: NEED MORE INFO

HOWEVER, DON'T FORGET YOU CAN GO INTO SMALL CLAIMS COURT.

IF YOU ARE CHARGED THE COURT SHOULD APPOINT A PUBLIC DEFENDER IF YOU CAN NOT AFFORD A LAWYER.

YOU PROBABLY WILL HAVE TO RETAIN A LAWYER TO STRAIGHTEN ALL THIS OUT.

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