Little Rock, AR asked in Criminal Law, Insurance Bad Faith and Insurance Defense for Arkansas

Q: Should I plead guilty or not guilty to insurance fraud? Class D felony first time offender can't afford a attorney

Basically I got In a wreck a while back (was not at fault) and bought an insurance claim right after I got out of the car. The insurance investigator asked and I lied and said it was before. No money was ever given to me nor was the car fixed and I was making a statement that I wasn't trying to get money from them, I was told even if you are not at fault you still have to file a claim with your current insurance.

1 Lawyer Answer
Richard Lane Hughes
Richard Lane Hughes
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Little Rock, AR
  • Licensed in Arkansas

A: I don't know if I completely understand the facts of your case. However, that alone is a reason for you to have an attorney. That is, to help you communicate with the prosecutor as well as the court.

Plead not guilty and advise the court that you cannot afford an attorney. You are entitled to legal representation and an attorney will be appointed to represent you if you are indigent. You will be required to answer a few simple questions so that the court can determine if you are truly indigent. You will not be questioned about the facts of your case-just your ability to hire an attorney.

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.