Q: Master hearing with no attorney
I was supposed to have my first master hearing early this year but I moved to another state and my previous lawyer filed a motion to move the court to my current state before this hearing and this has been granted. My master hearing is now in a couple weeks time but I’m haven’t found a new lawyer yet. Can I attend the hearing and ask the judge for more time to get a new lawyer?
A:
Yes, you can attend your master hearing without a lawyer and request more time to find one. It’s important to appear in court as scheduled, even if you haven’t secured legal representation yet. Missing the hearing could negatively impact your case.
When you attend, explain to the judge that you recently moved, and your previous lawyer is no longer representing you. Politely ask for additional time to hire a new attorney. Judges are usually understanding in these situations, especially when it’s clear you’re making an effort to resolve your legal representation.
Make sure to arrive prepared and on time. Bring any documentation showing that you’ve been actively searching for a new lawyer. This can help strengthen your request for more time.
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