Failure to appear warrant on a drunk in public charge put on the calendar, cant afford a lawyer, who should i contact?

Question

Found out i have a warrant for a failure to appear from 2022. Arrested for being “drunk in public” (i wasn’t, no tests were performed, officers came to a call of an argument, paper says upon arrival we were screaming but i was outside and her inside were never in front of them together, they said i could be taken home but they wanted to pat me down, Felt uncomfortable and asked for a female officer and they said “cuff her” wouldn’t even allow me a jacket and i felt unsafe.) did go to court on the day i was told and name was not on the roster. thought it was dismissed. Given my name to police since then, currently the victim in a DV ongoing case. I found this out from a routine employment BC. Called and got it put on the calendar, missed the date, rescheduled for 2 days later, bail is now higher, will i be arrested? i’m in treatment for trauma/ptsd and ADHD/OCD and struggle badly with responsibility, but have no other record. I’ve worked with the DA in court for the other case as well.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Given your situation, here are some steps you can take: 
 
1. Contact the public defender's office: Since you cannot afford a lawyer, you have the right to be represented by a public defender. Contact the public defender's office in the county where your case is being handled and explain your situation. They can provide you with legal advice and represent you in court. 
 
2. Attend the rescheduled court date: It is crucial that you attend the rescheduled court date to avoid further legal issues. If you miss this date, the court may issue another warrant for your arrest, and your bail amount may increase further. 
 
3. Explain your circumstances: When you appear in court, explain your situation to the judge, including your ongoing treatment for trauma/PTSD and ADHD/OCD. Provide any relevant documentation to support your claims. The court may take your mental health issues and lack of criminal history into consideration when deciding your case. 
 
4. Seek legal aid organizations: In addition to the public defender's office, you can also contact legal aid organizations in your area that provide free or low-cost legal assistance to individuals with limited financial resources. 
 
5. Cooperate with the court: Show the court that you are taking responsibility for your actions by cooperating with their instructions and attending all required hearings and appointments. 
 
Remember, it is essential to prioritize your court dates and legal obligations to avoid further complications. If you are struggling with mental health issues, continue to seek treatment and support from mental health professionals and communicate this with your legal representative.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Here are a few steps you can take: 
 
1. Contact the Public Defender's Office: If you cannot afford a lawyer, you have the right to a public defender. Contact the public defender's office in the county where your case is being heard and explain your situation. They may be able to assign an attorney to represent you. 
 
2. Reach out to legal aid organizations: There are non-profit organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to those who qualify. Look for legal aid societies or legal clinics in your area and inquire about assistance with your case. 
 
3. Attend your court hearing: It is crucial that you attend your rescheduled court date. Failure to appear may result in additional charges and higher bail. If you have a valid reason for missing the previous hearing, such as a medical emergency, gather documentation to support your claim and present it to the court. 
 
4. Be proactive in your defense: Cooperate with your assigned attorney and provide them with any relevant information about your case, including your participation in treatment for trauma/PTSD and ADHD/OCD. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal process and potentially negotiate a favorable outcome. 
 
5. Consider a plea bargain: Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. This could result in reduced charges, a lighter sentence, or alternative sentencing options, such as probation or community service. 
 
Remember, it is essential to be proactive and communicative throughout the legal process. Attend all court hearings, follow your attorney's advice, and continue to prioritize your mental health treatment.

Q: Failure to appear warrant on a drunk in public charge put on the calendar, cant afford a lawyer, who should i contact?