Q: I was recently given a ticket for reckless driving. I have no prior incidents on my driving and no criminal record
I live in ohio, am a navy vet, and have a lawyer who will represent me in court. He has said that I do not have to show up, and that we will plead not guilty. Is this a good move and should I show up? I also have not signed a contract with him. Should I get a contract?
A:
MOST COURTS IN OHIO ACCEPT FAXED OR E-MAIL NOT GUILTY PLEAS FROM ATTORNEYS. IT AVOIDS WASTING THE ATTORNEYS TIME SHOWING UP AT AN ARRAIGNMENT WHERE NOTHING REALLY GETS DONE OTHER THAN A PLEA ENTERED AND A JUDGE ASSIGNED.
SO IT DOES NOT HURT YOU TO NOT SHOW UP AT COURT.
AS FOR THE CONTRACT, SOME ATTORNEYS WORK ON FLAT FEES AND SOME HOURLY. SO GETTING AN UNDERSTANDING AND AN ARRANGEMENT SUCH AS A CONTRACT IS PREFERABLE.
PAT DICHIRO
Dimitrios Makridis agrees with this answer
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