Henrico, VA asked in Uncategorized for Virginia

Q: Do I need to be represented by a lawyer for a trespassing charge? No prior charges or convictions. Thanks.

Court date is June 29th, Henrico General District Court. Law section 18.2-119. The block is not marked on the section of the summons that says "You may avoid coming to court only if this block is checked...". Thanks.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Shemeka C Hankins
Shemeka C Hankins
Answered
  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: You need to appear as trespassing is a class one misdemeanor that carries up to twelve months in jail and up to a $2500 fine. The court should advise you that you are entitled to an attorney since the crime carries potential jail exposure. The court could also choose to waive jail time which makes you ineligible for a court appointed attorney and you may want to hire your own. Speak to local counsel in your area immediately.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.